A product marketing stall led by Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission is set up at the Thrissur Pooram Exhibition in conjunction with Thrissur Pooram. Xavier Chittilappillly, MLA, Vadakkancherry Constituency inaugurated the marketing stall on 19 April 2025. Dr. U Saleel, District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission presided over the function. 

Kudumbashree branded chips, curry powders, cereal powders, various types of pickles, sweets, Naruneendi passion fruit, gooseberry and bird's eye chilly syrups, Chutney powders, homemade beauty products, Kuthampully handloom clothes, Kodassery Kottamala special honey, handmade soaps, toiletries, etc. produced by NHGs are available at the marketing stall. The marketing fair is led by micro-enterprise consultants who co-ordinate Kudumbashree's livelihood activities at the field level.

K. Radhakrishnan, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Kudumbashree Thrissur District Mission, Sobhu Narayanan, Vijaya Krishnan. R, Deepu. K Uthaman, District Programme Managers, Block Co-ordinators, Micro Enterprise Consultants (MECs) and members of the NHG community participated.

The presentation of the contestants at the Kudumbashree State Level Award Selection Workshop being organized at KILA Headquarters, Mulangunnathkavu, Thrissur will be completed on 24 April 2025. On the third day (23 April 2025) of the workshop that began on 21 April 2025, presentations were made to determine the awards for Best CDS (Agriculture Sector, Animal Husbandry), Best CDS (Non-Farm Livelihood - ME, DDUGKY, K-DISC), Best Auxiliary Enterprise, Best Snehitha and Best ADS.

Presentations for the Awards for the Best District Mission and the District that carried out Best Public Relations are being held today. The award selection activities will continue till 26 April 2025. The award distribution will also be organized on 17 May 2025 in connection with Kudumbashree Day.

Awards will be given in a total of 17 categories. Awards will be given for Best NHG, ADS, Ooru Samithi, Enterprise Group, Entrepreneur, BUDS Institution, Gender Resource Centre, Auxiliary Group, Auxiliary Enterprise, Gender Help Desk, District that has conducted public relations activities, Best District Mission, as well as Best CDS (Convergence Activities, Unique Activities, Administration-Microfinance Activities), Best CDS (Agriculture Sector, Animal Husbandry), Best CDS (Social Development, Gender), Best CDS (Tribal Activities), Best CDS (Micro Enterprise, DDU-GKY, K-DISC).

Kudumbashree 'Communicore', the project envisioned to improve the English competence of the children and youth from the indigenous areas started. The project will be launched in the first phase in areas where Kudumbashree is implementing the Scheduled Tribe Special Projects or Scheduled Tribe Sustainable Development Projects such as Malai Pandaram Special Project in Pathanamthitta, Marayoor-Kanthalloor Special Project in Idukki, Kuttampuzha Special Project in Ernakulam, Kadar Special Project in Thrissur, Nilambur Special Project in Malappuram, Parambikulam Special Project in Palakkad, Attappady Special Project in Palakkad, Kodenchery Special Project- Kozhikode, Thirunelli & Noolpuzha Special Project in Wayanad, Aralam Special Project in Kannur, Koraga Special Project in Kasargod districts.

The activities of Communicore are planned in such a way as to help each and every participant in the training to maximize their language skills, bridging the language proficiency gap and thereby enable them access quality education, secure better jobs, contribute to social and economic development and participate in the global economy.

The learning medium of Malayalam and English creates significant barriers for indigenous students.This linguistic mismatch has contributed to a decrease in the representation of the local populace in the education sector. Overcoming this persistent crisis is essential for the overall development of the current and future generations in the local community. To overcome this crisis, Kudumbashree launched this programme.

Kudumbashree is cultivating 20,647 hectares of land in the state. This amount of land is being cultivated by 4,32,667 women of 94,594 farmer groups comprising NHG members. Paddy, various types of vegetables and fruits are the main crops. In addition, small grains (millets), herbs and watermelon are also cultivated depending on the season. Kudumbashree has made remarkable progress in the field of agriculture in the last nine years through sustainable farming. This achievement is due to the expansion of agriculture to more areas by developing diverse income-generating projects. With the availability of good income, more farmers have entered this field.
                                                       
Kudumbashree is implementing several projects to find better livelihoods and increase income from agriculture and allied sectors. 855 Jaivika Plant Nurseries that produce quality seedlings and seeds to consumers and 135 Nature's Fresh Kiosks to provide quality fruits and vegetables are operating in the state. Another project is the formation of producer groups. 880 have been formed in this regard. By collecting, diversifying and marketing agricultural produce, 17,600 members are able to ensure good income generation. In addition, 4,097 agricultural enterprises, 75 integrated farming clusters, small, medium and smart scale value added units, bio pharmacy units and green carpet units are also functioning.
 
Kudumbashree also implements various agricultural projects such as Punarjeevanam-Agricultural Entrepreneurship Development Training Programme, Drone Didi, 'Nirappolima' and 'Onakani' targeting the Onam market. There are also 30.3 lakh agricultural nutrition gardens in the state as part of the cultivation and production of nutritious vegetables and fruits required by NHG families at home.

Kudumbashree women have also entered into agricultural methods using technology.  As part of the Agro-Ecological Practices Project, training was given to 5,72,167 women farmers. Drone training was also provided as part of smart farming, which was a new step in the agricultural sector. In addition, the K-Agri Business Nest project was also launched to provide agricultural entrepreneurship training to college students. Kudumbashree has also acquired about 180 new technologies for things including increasing agricultural production and marketing. This will also be very helpful for farmers.

Farmers have also benefited from the sale of their produce. Last Onam, vegetable cultivation was done on 6,797 acres as part of the 'Onakani' scheme. An income of Rs. 7.8 crores was received from the sale of agricultural produce.Flower cultivation done on 1,281 acres through the 'Nirappolima' scheme implemented in connection with Onam also yielded good income for the farmers. Rs. 2.98 crores was received from this.

The Kudumbashree Award Selection Workshop is in progress at KILA Headquarters at Mulagunnathukavu of Thrissur. Presentations for the Best Entrepreneur, Gender Resource Centre, Auxiliary Group, Best CDS (Convergence activities, Unique Activities, Governance-Microfinance Activities), and Best CDS (Tribal) Awards were organized on the second day at five venues.

The presentations of 14 entrepreneurs who were selected as the best entrepreneurs from each district were notable on the second day of the workshop. The list of entrepreneurs who made a difference in the presentations included an entrepreneur who made medicinal kohl and other products representing Alappuzha district, an entrepreneur who runs a day care centre and represented Kannur district, a mural painting entrepreneur from Wayanad, and an entrepreneur who produces many products from puttu powder to payasam from moringa leaves.

On the third day of the workshop, the presentations for the awards for Best CDS (Agricultural Sector, Animal Husbandry), Best CDS (Non-Agricultural Livelihood - ME, DDU-GKY, K-DISC), Best Auxiliary Enterprise, Best Snehitha, and Best ADS were held. The award selection process will continue till 26 April 2025. The award distribution will be organized on 17 May 2025 in connection with Kudumbashree Day.

Awards will be given for Best Neighborhood Group, ADS, Oorusamithi, Enterprise Group, Entrepreneur, BUDS Institution, Gender Resource Centre, Auxiliary Group, Auxiliary Enterprise, Snehitha Gender Help Desk, District that has carried out best Public Relations activities, Best District Mission, Best CDS (Convergence Activities, Unique Activities, Administration- Microfinance Activities), Best CDS (Agriculture Sector, Animal Husbandry), Best CDS (Social Development, Gender), Best CDS (Tribal Activities) and Best CDS (Micro Enterprise, DDU-GKY, K-DISC). Therefore, Awards are given in 17 various categories.

Kudumbashree has become active in the online trading sector by bringing over 1,000 products of Kudumbashree entrepreneurs to the online market. Kudumbashree products will be available on leading online platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, ONDC and Meesho. A wide range of products are available online, including food products, curry powders, ayurvedic products, clothing, handicrafts, etc. Those who want to buy Kudumbashree products will have the convenience of choosing and purchasing the products of their choice from anywhere in the country at their fingertips. Last year, Kudumbashree was able to achieve excellent sales through online platforms.

Kudumbashree aims to create a strong marketing network for Kudumbashree products and at the same time increase income for entrepreneurs. It is as part of this, the potential of the online business sector is being utilized. The aim is to increase sales by bringing products to consumers quickly in line with market changes. As part of bringing products to the online platform, 149 selected entrepreneurs were trained in GST registration, company registration, preparation of product descriptions, product photography, various marketing methods including using social media such as Instagram and Facebook. Six months of support has also been assured to the entrepreneurs to bring their products to the online platform and to make marketing more efficient. The training was provided to the entrepreneurs with the support of NABARD. Pocket Mart-Kudumbashree Store mobile app has also been created to provide Kudumbashree products and services. The work related to this is in the final stage.                              

Extensive activities have been planned for the current financial year to ensure a sustainable market for Kudumbashree entrepreneurs. Several activities aimed at empowering entrepreneurs, such as linking Kudumbashree products with various distribution networks and setting up warehouses in each district for product storage, will be implemented this year. Steps will also be taken to provide Kudumbashree Lunch Bell lunch in collaboration with online food delivery systems like Swiggy and Zomato. Various training provided to entrepreneurs to help them find markets for their products using social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Google Business will continue this year. Training will also be provided on AI-based marketing.

Along with online platforms, the existing product marketing systems have also been made more efficient. As part of this, the home shop system, which directly markets Kudumbashree products, has been further expanded by including 50 new management teams and 8,718 home shop owners. A turnover of Rs. 19.61 crores was received through home shops last year alone. Kudumbashree has also achieved a turnover of more than Rs. 5 crores in the last one year through 13 Premium Cafe Restaurants opened in 13 districts.

The State Level 'Kudumbashree Award' Selection Workshop began at Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) Headquarters Mulagunnathukavu, Thrissur on 21 April 2025. The selection activities for the state level awards in the categories of Best CDS (Social Development, Gender), Best NHG, Best Oorusamithi, Best BUDS Institution and Best Entrepreneurial Group were held on the first day of the Award Selection Workshop. On the second day of the workshop, presentations were made for the best CDS (convergence programmes, unique activities, governance-microfinance activities), Best Auxiliary Group, Best Entrepreneur, Best CDS (tribal activities), and Best Gender Resource Centres. The awarding process will continue till 26 April 2025. The award distribution will also be organized on 17 May 2025 in connection with Kudumbashree Day.

Through Kudumbashree Award it is aimed to evaluate and recognize the best work in various fields with the aim of providing energy and inspiration to the activities of the Kudumbashree system from the grassroots, including the three-tier organizational structure. State-Level Awards are given in a total of 17 categories.

Awards will be given for Best Neighborhood Group, ADS, Oorusamithi, Enterprise Group, Entrepreneur, BUDS Institution, Gender Resource Centre, Auxiliary Group, Auxiliary Enterprise, Snehitha Gender Help Desk, District that has carried out best Public Relations activities, Best District Mission, Best CDS (Convergence Activities, Unique Activities, Administration- Microfinance Activities), Best CDS (Agriculture Sector, Animal Husbandry), Best CDS (Social Development, Gender), Best CDS (Tribal Activities) and Best CDS (Micro Enterprise, DDU-GKY, K-DISC).

Another special feature is that for the remaining awards, except for the Best District Mission, District that has carried out Best Public Relations activities, Best Snehitha Gender Help Desk and Best BUDS Institution, the representatives of the three-tier organization system who have won district-level awards from 14 districts will make presentations at the workshop.

Minister visits the Award Selection Workshop

M.B. Rajesh, Minister for Local Self Governments, Excise and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Kerala and T.V. Anupama IAS, Special Secretary,  Local Self-Government Department, Government of Kerala visited the Kudumbashree State-Level Award Selection Workshop on 21 April 2025.

Kudumbashree has generated income for 3.24 lakh beneficiaries till date through various schemes implemented in the animal husbandry sector in the state. Kudumbashree has been able to provide better employment and thereby sustainable income to these beneficiaries as part of the various schemes implemented in this sector. This includes 1,00,825 families who got employment as part of the K-LIFT livelihood campaign.
                         
Kudumbashree has been implementing many notable activities to create employment opportunities in the animal husbandry sector. So far, Rs. 357 crores have been earned through the Kerala Chicken Scheme. The project has achieved the goal of producing eight percent of domestic consumption and controlling prices in the public market. In the second phase of the project, marketing of frozen products under the name 'Kerala Chicken' has started. In addition, a processing plant has also become operational at Kadinamkulam of Thiruvananthapuram. Currently, about seven hundred beneficiaries are getting a sustainable income through the project.

There has also been a big leap in the poultry sector. 104 hatcheries and 76 mother units have started operating in this sector. In addition, assistance was given to 623 farmers to start poultry farming at low cost by empaneling poultry units through the 'Kozhiyum Koodum' Project. The financial support provided to farmers to promote livelihood activities is also noteworthy. For this, Rs. 40.16 crores was provided under the Community Enterprise Fund, including Rs. 35.1 crores for rural CDSs and Rs. 5.15 crores for urban CDSs. This helped 20,731 livestock farmers to strengthen their livelihood activities. As part of the formation of 401 producer groups to sell the farmers' products, Rs. 4 crores was also provided as financial assistance for infrastructure development and working capital. Subsidies have been provided to cattle farmers through the 'Ksheera Sagaram' Scheme and to goat farmers through the 'Aadu Gramam' Scheme.

The Animal Husbandry Department, in collaboration with renowned institutions in this field, is also giving special emphasis for making its members better farmers and entrepreneurs by providing scientific training. As part of this, 4,530 community members have been trained and provided with 'Pashu Sakhi' certification to support farmers at the field level. Out of them, 458 'Pashu Sakhi' have also been provided with A-HELP certification. They will provide the necessary support to intensify agricultural activities at the field level. Fisheries clusters have also been started on a pilot basis in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode districts as part of creating employment opportunities for women farmers in fish farming and allied sectors.

Kudumbashree has provided employment to 3.23 lakh women in the micro-enterprise sector in the state. A total of 1,63,458 enterprises, including more than one lakh individual enterprises and more than fifty thousand group enterprises, have been formed in this sector to provide livelihood to these women. This includes the formation of 34,422 enterprises through K-LIFT, the special livelihood campaign launched last February. Through this alone, 61,158 people have received employment.

Micro-enterprises is an important project implemented by Kudumbashree with the aim of economic empowerment of women. As part of various projects, Kudumbashree provides self-employment to women in the production and service sectors. The largest number of women is in the production sector. There are 69,484 enterprises in the production sector. Amrutam Nutrimix, which supplies supplementary nutrition to Anganwadis, is prepared and provided through 241 units under Kudumbashree. 1,680 women are employed in this sector. 49,381 enterprises have been formed in the service sector and 35,646 enterprises in the trade sector. Kudumbashree has taken a significant step in sectors including food production, value-added product manufacturing and food processing. There are 2,685 enterprises in the food processing sector alone.

The 35,214 volunteers of the 4,438 Haritha Karma Sena units formed under Kudumbashree for the collection of inorganic waste in the state are also earning good income. Apart from this, there are Kudumbashree entrepreneurs in sectors like building construction units, cement block manufacturing, computer hardware, driving school, marriage bureau, housekeeping etc. The PM-Yuva scheme is also being implemented for the youth. There are also 1,784 'Prathyasha' units in the state for the marginalized, the disabled and widows. 1,028 Janakeeya Hotels are also being run to provide quality midday meals to the poor for Rs. 20.

Kudumbashree gives special consideration to starting new enterprises in line with the times and developing the entrepreneurial capacity of women. The most important of these are the 288 branded cafes that have been opened across the state and the premium cafe restaurants that have been opened in 13 districts. Another is the K 4 Care project, which was launched to maximize the employment opportunities available in the elderly care sector. 605 people have already been employed through this.

Kudumbashree also has various projects implemented in collaboration with other departments and agencies. The most important of these are the 51 e-Seva Kendra run in collaboration with the Motor Vehicle Department. There are also 343 canteens in various government departments and offices. Currently, Kudumbashree is implementing around seventy projects in collaboration with various departments. Kudumbashree also provides general orientation training, entrepreneurship development training, skill development training, and various financial supports to women entering the self-employment sector.

Kudumbashree has come up with the Kudumbashree Technology Advancement Programme (K-TAP) with the aim of modernizing the agricultural sector and ensuring sustainable income for women farmers. The objective of the project is to provide better employment opportunities to women by using innovative technologies in agriculture and allied sectors, including production, value-added product manufacturing, processing and marketing, and achieving progress in all areas of agriculture. For this, a centralized technology repository has been prepared in collaboration with renowned agricultural technology research institutes in India. Accordingly, Kudumbashree has acquired more than 180 new technologies.

This is the first time that Kudumbashree has acquired so many technologies for the modernization of the agricultural sector and the empowerment of women farmers. The new project will change the face of agricultural activities currently being implemented through Kudumbashree. Currently, about 4.3 lakh women are cultivating rice, banana, various vegetables and fruits in 92,442 farmer groups under Kudumbashree across the state. In addition, producer groups, agricultural enterprises, farmer producer companies and integrated farming clusters are also functioning. Thus, Kudumbashree will provide assistance to those working in the agricultural sector to strengthen their livelihood activities through the new technology bank. Entrepreneurs who are currently doing good agriculture and related businesses have been identified for this. They will be trained in collaboration with leading agricultural research and technology institutions in the country. The implementation of the new project will pave the way for them to increase their income.

A big leap is also expected in areas such as processing of agricultural products, value addition of small grains, coconut products, and eco-friendly packaging. Technology will also be used to innovate organic production methods, smart farming, packing, branding, and licensing. This will pave the way for expansion of existing enterprises and increase in income.

The project also includes a plan to overcome all the limitations currently faced in product marketing. For this, premium level products will be prepared with the aim of exporting as well. In addition, activities related to this will ensure the necessary certifications and food safety standards for marketing Kudumbashree agricultural products in national and international markets.

The K-TAP Programme will be utilized to find the best agricultural entrepreneurs from the younger generation, including the Kudumbashree Auxiliary Groups, which is the youth wing of Kudumbashree. The goal is to enable the youth to find a good career in the agricultural field. For this, they will be introduced to modern farming methods and processing technologies. Entrepreneurship development training will also be provided.