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Eco friendly Saras Mela

The Saras Mela 2018 being held at Pattambi stand out unique.The Saras Mela 2018 follows green protocol, which means that means no plastic is being used at the mela. It is with the help of green protocol committee and Suchithwa Mission that green protocol is being observed at the Saras Fair. The boards, banners, decorations, the arch set up at the entrance etc. are made up of either paper or cloth. The decorations are done with paper, bamboo and sack only. The take away kits being distributed at the mela are made up of cloth and paper. Disposable plates and glasses are completely avoided at the mela. Fibre, ceramic plates and steel glasses replaced the disposable plastic plates and glasses. Even the waste buckets placed at various locations at the mela are made up of bamboo. The biodegradable wastes and non degradable wastes are sorted out by the Harithakarma sena members. The biodegradable wastes are being sent to pig farms.

The volunteers are giving away leaflets to the visitors to remind them about the green protocol being observed at the Saras Mela premises. The wastes are disposed in daily basis. The Harithakarma sena members are cleaning the mela premises in regular intervals. Therefore, the 'eco-friendly' mela being held at Pattambi is attracting more and more people and are adding more colour to the festive days of Kerala. The lost and found section of the mela is so active that the visitors are finding the mela more trustworthy.The Saras mela 2018 is being wholeheartedly received by the neighbouring districts as well which results in the grand success of the programme. The Mela will come to an end on 8 April 2018.

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Thiruvananthapuram District Mission to launch Mobile Operation Theatre for ABC

Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram District Mission is to launch Mobile Operation Theatre unit for executing the Animal Birth Control activities in the district. It is the Winners ABC Mobile unit, that is affiliated to the District Mission of Thiruvananthapuram which would be launched soon as a path breaking step in the sector of Animal Birth Control. The group comprises of 2 women and 3 men. The unit would travel to the panchayaths which need the service of the mobile operation unit for executing the animal birth control activities. The unit would also ensure the service of the veterinary doctor empanelled by the District Mission Coordinator.

12 veterinary hospitals in the district have the amenities for executing the birth control activities. But it is not possible to complete the birth control activities arise in the district using those facilities only. By the launch of the mobile Animal Birth Control unit, this issue could be easily resolved. By taking the mobile unit to the veterinary hospitals, the service of both hospital and the unit can be utilised. Thereby, the service of the veterinary hospitals, which don't have the amenities for executing the animal birth control activities could be made use of. This would help in using the service of the 75 % of veterinary hospitals in the district.

The mobile unit mobilise all the amenities that an Animal Birth Control Operation theatre would have. The unit had received Rs 3 lakhs fund from District Panchayath. RS 3.50 was received as innovation fund and Rs 50,000 as start up fund. It is the responsibility of the unit to arrange the finance for the vehicle. The maintenance, insurance and service of the vehicle would also be met by the group from their profits. The attender of the vehicle himself would act as the driver of the vehicle. The other ABC units may also hire the mobile unit if needed, which would in turn be a source of revenue for the mobile unit.

The District Mission Coordinator himself would schedule the work orders of the mobile ABC unit, prioritising as per the funds availed from various panchayaths.Smt. Rajani T.G, Smt. Jeevashree.M. Shri Satheesh Kumar M.G., Shri Jithesh K.G, and Shri. Mukesh M.S comprises the Winner ABC mobile unit.The unit has already been registered and will soon be inaugurated and start functioning soon.

Supply of Kadali Banana to Guruvayoor Devaswom

The Kudumbashree Women of Thrissur holds the pride in supplying Kadali Banana to the Devaswom of Guruvayur, Kadali banana being the favorite offering to the deity of Guruvayur Temple. The bananas cultivated by the Kudumbashree women of Thrissur district in purely organic way are therefore taken for poojas and are given away to the people as prasadam and are also used in preparing ‘panchamrutham’ (a sweet desert) as well. The JLGs of Thrissur had been supplying the Kadali Bananas to the Guruvayur Temple for the last 8 years since 9 June 2009. The JLGS had been supplying the bananas with the help of Mattathur Labour Co-operative Society.

The Mattathur Labour Co-operative society procures the plantains from the farmers at a rate of Rs 3.80 per banana finger. After deducting the labour costs the farmer will get Rs 3.15 per banana. Before giving away the bananas the JLGs paste the stickers on the plantain bunch which has the name and code of the JLG, date and the number of banana fingers. Vegetable Food Promotion Council gives the information about the actual market rate of the banana to the Mattathur Labour Co-operative Society. On receiving the plantain, the Mattathur Labour Co-operative Society pays the money to the farmers. Then, the society will take the banana to the Guruvayur Temple and stores the banana at the place provided by Guruvayur Devaswom for storing the banana. The raw bananas would be then smoked for ripening. The bananas are procured on Tuesdays and Fridays of every week. Out of those bananas the best 400 bananas would be taken for ‘Nivedya’ purpose and 7 boxes containing 300 bananas each are taken for giving away as prasadam.

When the authorities of Guruvayur Devaswom arrived at a predicament situation during when the Kadali Bananas weren’t available for meeting the pooja purposes, Kudumbashree came up with the solution that they would cultivate and provide the kadali bananas upon the deal between the devaswom that it would be completely procured by the Guruvayur Devaswom. And then the women started cultivating the bananas as Joint Liability Groups of 4 to 5 people. The harvested bananas from every group are collected by the Mattathur Labour Co-operative society. The women didn't had to worry about the marketing of the crops that they produce. How much they produce, the society procured it from them paying the money. The women farmers from Kudumbashree are growing these bananas under seven panchayaths of Kodakara block, and supplying them to the temple, ensuring a taste of homegrown plantain for the revered deity. Guruvayur Devaswom buys the kadali banana as per the conditions laid down in the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The seed of the Kadali banana is also procured by the Mattathur Labour Co-operative Society. They would procure the kadali seed from the JLGs at a rate of Rs 21 per seed. Only best quality kadali seeds are procured by the society to maintain the quality of the crop cultivated.

Kadali is a small and sweet fruited variety of banana which is mainly grown for offerings in temple and is known by names like Ambalakadali, Nivedyakadali etc. The average bunch weighs about 8-10 kg. Being taken for poojas, the market for the fruit is always assured. It is also believed that Kadali Banana have contents of gold in it. The fragrant Kadali Banana has got medicinal features as well. It is believed by the followers that, Kadali Banana along with Yellow silk and lotus bud is the favorite offering of the deity. A total of 750 women from 150 Joint Liability Groups had been supplying 1.5 million of Kadali Banana to Guruvayur Temple every year.

Around 4000 to 25,000 Kadali Bananas are needed in Guruvayur temple based on the season. Earlier, to give this daily offering, the temple was dependent on supply from Tamil Nadu, as this special variety was on the verge of extinction in Kerala, which wasn’t following organic method of cultivation, whereas Kudumbashree women follow organic method of cultivation. The project is implemented jointly by Kodakara Block Panchayath, Grama Panchayaths within the Block and the Kudumbashree Mission which aimed to supply pooja kadali required for prayer rituals to the Guruvayur temple daily by utilizing the Kudumbashree network. As a result not only would employment and income be generated but also the rare variety of ‘Pooja kadali‘ banana which is facing extinction would be rejuvenated.

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Gothra Prayanam : Air tour for the tribals of Edamalakkudy

Kudumbashree Idukki District Mission organised tribal study tour 'Gothra Prayanam', study tour via flight for the tribes people of Edamalakkudy from Nedumbassery to Thiruvananthapuram on 27 March 2018. The trip was organised as part of the Tribal Integrated Development Project. The 20 membered team which comprised of 14 Kudumbashree members and tribal chieftains(oorumooppans) was lead by Smt. Ramani, CDS Chairperson, Edamalakkudy and Smt.Eshwari, Panchayath Member, Edamalakkudy.

The team had a discussion with Shri. S.Harikishore, Executive Director, Kudumbashree regarding the sustainable development of Edmalakkudy. The had visited the tribal settlement at Vithura. The group also visited Secretariat and Legislative Assembly Complex and Shanghumugham beach as well. The team was accompanied by ST promoters, animators and officials of Kudumbashree Idukki District Mission.

The team made their return trip to Edamalakkudy via train. Kudumbashree Idukki District Mission organised such an air tour for the tribes people for including them in the mainstream, who were sidelined from the society for one reason or the other. Those were the moments of sheer excitement for the team of getting on to the plane for the first time.

Tribals from Idamalakkudy and kudumbashree staff at airport

Cafe Kudumbashree unit from Attappady excels at Saras Mela 2018

The ethinic foods prepared by the Kudumbashree unit from Attappady is of high demand at the Saras Mela being held at Pattambi. Vana Sundari Kozhi, the ethnic chicken recepie prepared by the Chaithanya Kudumbashree unit is being the main attraction of the food lovers those who pay visit to the food courts at Saras Mela 2018.

The recepies of Vana Sundari Chicken include the herbs that are available only in Attappady. 20 kg of Vana sundari chicken was sold in the first day of sale itself. Many of the people who visits the mela are asking for the recepies too. A plate including leg piece, dosa, salad and chutney is being sold at a rate of Rs 150 per plate. Single piece is available for Rs 70. A sale of Rs 4000 was recorded in the inaugural day and sale of Rs13000 was recorded on the day following.

Apart from Vana Sundari Chicken the unit also prepare Chamayari Payasam, Chamayari Upmav, Ragi Vattayappam, Ragi Pazhampori, Ragi Churulappam, Ragi Putt Kadala, Ragi Ullivada, Ragi Kokkuvada, Salad, Chutney, Chukku Kappi etc.

Smt. Valli Chandran is the leader of the Chaithanya Kudumbashree unit. Smt. Rony Rengan, Smt. Sijimol, Smt.Maruthy Raju and Smt. Vengy Maruthan are the other members. They had also took part in the Thudi fest and Malabar Craft Mela organised at Palakkad.

The Cafe Kudumbashree unit from the hamlets of Attappady had already won the hearts of the food lovers of Pattambi with their ethinic cuisines and are indeed excelling at the Saras Mela 2018.

Nirakkoott: Painting Units from Kudumbashree

Following the success attained in forming the women's construction groups, Kudumbashree is coming up with women's painting groups.The ' Nirakkoot' painting group formed in Ernakulam district are attracting the attention of public by excelling in their new job sector. The painting group which was started 2 years back had already completed painting works of more than 20 apartments and had earned around Rs 25 lakhs. Berger Paints had associated with Kudumbashree Mission in imparting the training for the women.

The women started the painting units with the confidence gained in the success of construction units and hollow bricks making units. The districts are finding out the NHG women who are interested in joining the programme. As per this, new beneficiaries had been identified from Kottayam. Training has also been given to them. The painting units may get work not only from private organisations and individuals but also from government departments as well.

As part of the upcoming LIFE programme, about 2.5 lakh houses would be built all across the state. Once the construction of these houses would be complete, Kudumbashree is looking forward to make use of the job opportunities that would arise in connection with the painting of those houses. Kudumbashree will also ensure the convergence with other departments for ensuring job and income for them. Along with the loan and subsidy, innovation fund will also be given to the women. Kudumbashree is planning to extend the programme to all districts.

The programme was initiated by the Ernakulam District Mission. Those who were interested in painting buildings were selected through interviews from NHGs. And the 10 women selected from Vazhakkulam and Vengola were 2 months training. Five women those who had shown interest in forming a micro enterprise were selected from within them and ' Nirakkoott' Micro Enterprise was formed. Each unit member is earning about Rs 1000 a day. The members themselves take measurements and take quotations while taking up the works . Only during taking up the works of multi storied buildings that they get the help of experts in the sector.

BRC at Mararikulam associating with Leonard Cheshire Disability

To provide skill development to people with disabilities and provide livelihoods opportunities, a Livelihood Resource Centre was set up at ‘Snehatheeram’, the BUDS Rehabilitation Centre of Mararikulam South Grama Panchayath associating with Leonard Cheshire Disability Project Nagapattinam as part of the ‘Access to Livelihood’ Programme, the flagship programme of Leonard Cheshire Disability to empower the Persons with Disability (PWDs).

After detailed planning and discussions with Kudumbashree, MoU was signed in the month of July 2016. As per the MoU, the project duration was 8 months from July 2016 to March 2017 and for utilizing the fund within the period, the programme was extended to March 2018. As per the agreement between Leonard Cheshire Disability Project Nagapattinam and Kudumbashree Mission, Satellite Livelihood Resource Centre of Leonard Cheshire Disability Project was opened at the Buds Rehabilitation Centre at Marairikulam South Grama Panchayath as part of the pilot study.

And as part of the initial activities, linkages were established with the local level skill providers by ensuring necessary accessibility features. Partnership with local employers and with the financial institutions was also set up to provide necessary employment support. For setting up businesses and a Livelihood Resource Map was created. After identifying the persons with disabilities in the locality, through need analysis and skill assessment, skill training was given to them. A total of 122 persons were identified with disabilities out of which 27 were from BRC. 10 were given training in paper making, 10 were given training in vermin compost making and mothers of 5 bed ridden children of BRC were given training and amenities for poultry farming. The other physically challenged identified from within the panchayath were given training for LED Bulb assembling as well.

With the help of Eksat training team, guidance was given to the children on making paper bags, tablet covers, shopping bags, gift cover, envelope, oven bags, files making, marketing techniques, packing etc which were included in the module and orders were received from Panchayath, Agriculture Department and other organisations. The 3000 notepads used during the 19th Anniversary programme of Kudumbashree Mission held at Alappuzha were made by the children of Snehatheeram BRC of Mararikulam South Panchayath. One vermi compost unit with four rings at BUDS School Campus with the technical guidance of Socio Economic Unit Foundation (SEUF).

Leonard Cheshire Disability (LCD) is an international NGO working through five regional offices in Africa and Asia, with an extensive global network of partners in over 50 countries. The key focus of our programmes is inclusive education, access to livelihoods, campaigning and advocacy, and research. The South Asia Regional office is based in Bangalore, India. Leonard Cheshire Project Nagapattinam (LCPNP) is the partner organization of Leonard Cheshire Disability implementing the ‘Access to Livelihoods’ Programme since 2008 in 4 locations– Nagapattinam, Thiruvallur, Cuddalore and Chennai- through established ‘Livelihoods Resource Centre (LRC) based in Chennai. The Main objectives of this model are to connect people with disabilities with opportunities to work, to act as a “one-stop-shop” by providing training, career guidance, and links to employers, who support people with disabilities in the world of work, to promote the choice and decision of people with disabilities in livelihood and to support confidence building in people with disabilities.

Scale up of Amrutham THR Fortification to all Nutrimix units in Wayanad

The Executive Committee of the Department of Women and Child approved the scale-up of the Amrutham Take Home Ration Fortification to all Nutrimix production units in Wayanad district. Fortification of Take Home Rations is the collaborative project between Kudumbashree Mission, Department of Women and Child Development and United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP), which aims to deliver fortified blended foods to children between 6-36 months of age through Integrated Child Development Services Programme in Kerala.

As per the MoU signed between the Government of Kerala and United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP), with the intention of demonstrating that fortification can be well implemented in government systems and schemes with adequate capacity building of the women’s neighbourhood groups, starting in December 2016, Kudumbashree Mission in collaboration with UNWFP and the Social Justice Department (SJD), had setup a fortification demonstration at the Snehadeepam Amrutham Nutrimix unit in Vellamunda panchayath in Manathavady block of Wayanad district.

Fortification is a practice of deliberately increasing the micronutrient content of a food, so as to improve the nutritional quality of food supply and provide a public health benefit with minimal risk to health. As per the National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau Survey 2012, average intake of children (1-3 years) for recommended micronutrients was found to be much lower than the required, resulting in the consequent malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. According to the World Health Organization, young children between 6-36 months of age catered to by the Integrated Child Development Services Programme and Kudumbashree, should receive foods which provide sufficient energy, protein and micronutrients to cover a child’s energy and nutrient gaps. The pilot project in Mananthavady aimed to address the same as well. Micronutrients may be provided to these children through dietary diversification, supplementation or fortification. Food fortification however is the most cost-effective strategy by which the micronutrients are added to foods leading to rapid improvement in the micronutrient status of various population groups at a reasonable cost without requiring any behavioural change.

As of date, 163.5 metric tonnes of fortified Amrutham Nutrimix has been produced by the Snehadeepam unit in Wayanad and distributed to all 148 Anganwadi centres in the project area. The pilot project has efficiently demonstrated that, Take Home Ration can be easily fortified by addition of micronutrient premix to the existing recipe of Amrutham Nutrimix while using the same equipment’s available at the Nutrimix production unit. The beneficiary response and acceptability of fortified Amrutham as observed during the pilot project has been highly encouraging. As part of scaling-up the Take Home Ration fortification initiative across Kerala, the project will be initially extended to all Nutrimix production units in Wayanad district followed by other districts in the State. UNWFP will support with capacity building of all the units engaged in nutri-mix production in Wayanad.

Mobile Marketing through ‘Canaravahini’ at Thrissur

The District Mission of Thrissur came up with a new idea for finding markets for their entrepreneurs, associating with Canara Bank. Similar to the mobile unit of Consumer fed, the Canaravahini would reach the customers and the products of Kudumbashree would be bought by the customers. A branded van would act as a mobile shop which would reach out to the customers and sell the products of the micro entrepreneurs in the district. The programme is being implemented as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities of Canara bank.

Alathur Rice produced by the JLGs of Annamanada Panchayath in the district, curry powders, other flours, masalas, jam, squash, coconut oil, handicrafts, toiletries etc are for sale at ‘Canaravahini’.

Through various activities, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission had been finding maximum market for their products and is monitoring them as well. Kudumbashree District Mission of Thrissur understood that only through such out of the box initiatives that market could be assured for the products. Through different initiatives to market the products, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission is standing out unique.

Kudumbashree Women to repair street lights through Gramakiranam

Kudumbashree Women of Kasaragod will start climbing the electric posts soon! The Grama Kiranam Programme put forward by Kasaragod District Mission would enable the women to repair the street lights leaving behind all the gender discriminations. From now onwards they would climb the electric posts to do the electric works of their panchayaths. Both the theory and practical training for making LED bulbs and repairing the street lights are being given to them. 'Imprint' the accredited agency under District Mission of Kasaragod and Adersh Technical Institute are providing the needed training in Cheruvathoor and Uppala respectively. Those who wished to become the part of the programme were selected through concerned CDSs.

The training is being held at two centres in the district, Cheruvathoor and Uppala. Training is given to 30 people each through both centres. A team of 5 is selected from each panchayath out of which 3 are women and 2 are men. They are also given training in business management, communication leadership, accounting etc. The teams are also trained in making LED, tube, emergency, panel light etc. Those who finished the LED bulb training may start Micro Enterprises. 22 people from Cheruvathoor and 21 from Uppala attended the theory cum practical training. Once operational, these women would therefore be able to break all the stereotypes of gender.