IND/08/048 - Eco friendlier areca nut plate production and marketing

Objective: Poverty alleviation of dalit women farm workers through eco friendlier areaca nut plate production training and marketing

Background: The dalit women are low caste and have to exist on seasonal farm work. SCDP has worked with the villages for the past three years. The project will give the women 15 days intensive training in making areaca nut plates and marketing skills. There are many areaca nut plantations in their villages and nearby as the villages are located below the foothills of the East Ghats. The plates are also eco friendly and a viable product since the government is also discouraging the use of polythene bags and plastic articles and is encouraging the use of alternative products. The products could be sold for use in hotels, marriage parties and other functions. Together with their seasonal farm work, this would provide them with enough income to become self-sufficient and to ensure health and education opportunities for their children.

Use of Funds: The funds will be used to purchase basic raw materials, equipment and tools and for training of training of women workers in the use of machinery. The SCDP will contribute with the rental of the premises for training.

Beneficiaries: 60