Kudumbashree - Success Story of Puthuma Iron Tool Unit

Making Iron tools and earning livelihood: Success Story of Puthuma Iron Tool Unit

Puthuma Iron tool unit is and individual micro enterprise unit which was formed during 2005. Smt. Sudha, is the brave entrepreneur who fought her way from poverty to success. Sudha chose her traditional occupation to thrive. She makes hand-made iron tools, utensils and gardening tools. Her story started when Sudha joined the Puthuma NHG, in Kannankode Ward, in Adoor municipality in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. With the active participation in various sectors of Kudumbashree she came to know about the success stories of women who established their own enterprises. Inspired by those case stories she decided to start the iron tool unit, in a low key profile. Her vision was supported by all the peers at the Neighborhood Group (NHG) who facilitated the initial bank loan of Rs 1,00,000 from Central bank of India, Adoor branch. She made and sold the products from door to door. She also gained numerous work orders from various shops in Kozhanchery, Ranni and Erumeli.

It was becoming difficult for her to carry those heavy tools and travel across to deliver it. That was when her husband Mr. Raveendran came to her rescue with an apt solution. He helped her transport it to various locations. As the orders started increasing she bought a moped to transport the products to the destinations. The income received was mainly spent upon the education of her children. Sudha had always felt that she should provide education for her kids even if she was deprived of it in the childhood. Her daughter is a BA graduate and her son is a graduate working in a mobile store in Adoor. She toiled for years to fulfil her dream to own a house. Sudha still remembers the day when she moved into her own house, she was so happy and satisfied – it was magical she says. 
The need for expanding the business and exploring new varieties of tools arose when new competent started introducing latest model utensils in the market at a much lower price. Felt that her products did not move as she expected it to, she determined to make a new turn to her business. After a lot of research on the new trends, she found out a factory in Chathanoor, Kollam, who was willing to give the latest model utensils at a much cheaper price not compromising on the quality of the products. The new tool and utensils grabbed the attention of many. Sudha’s marketing and package method’s which also had a personal touch to it made the products popular among the crowd. The popularity and high quality of products were the key factors which made Sudha’s products eligible to be sold at various trade fairs including Saras Mela conducted across India. She describes her experience at the Saras Fairs as nothing less than a huge festival. Her incompetency at handling different languages were no boundaries the opportunities she received. She thankfully remembers that she could sell products worth Rs 80,000 at each fare in those 10 days’ time which she had spent 2 months making.
She still recollects with horror the day when she and her fellow entrepreneur were trapped in the Chengannur Saras fair when the floods swept of all the products. She had no other choice but to flee with her life leaving behind all the products. Some of the product got lost and the other which she could reclaim we severely damaged. She incurred a loss of around Rs 4,00,000. But she was relieved that her life was saved. Not taken back by the incident, she immediately decided to participate in the Bhuvaneshwar SARAS fair. The Puthuma NHG members gave interest free internal loan of Rs 1,00,000 to support her regain the lost pace. With the money she purchased new products and made some basic utensils in a short span of time with the help of her family and was ready for sale in no time. 

The profit she got from the sales was used for her daughter’s marriage expenses. The proud parent is now in a hurry to clear of the debt, not taking a break. Sudha has got high hopes and dreams for her business. She aims to find a permanent store or a sale point for her products. Kudumbashree Pathanamthitta District Mission team has given immense support to the lady, they have enlisted her products in the Kudumbashree Bazaar – online portal for sale of Kudumbashree products. She is also included in the list of entrepreneurs whose products are to be sold at the first of its type outlet opened by Kudumbashree Mission at Thiruvalla. She proved that sometime your discovery your innermost strength when you are subjected to your greatest weakness.
Puthuma Iron Tool unit could be considered as an epitome of unaltered will power and confidence. With a gradual yet steady growth, Puthuma Iron Tool unit had proved that belief in their selves could take anyone to greater success. The Micro entrepreneur behind Puthuma Iron Tool Unit is indeed tasting their success now!