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.

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.

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.

Organised by Kudumbashree Mission Saras Mela 2018, the national food and cultural expo, which would offer the best of traditional ethnic food and artistry was kickstarted at the ground near Market, Pattambi, Palakkad on 29 March 2018. Dr. K.T Jaleel, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the programme. He also inaugurated the food stalls set up at the Mela.

Saras Fair is not only a platform for the micro entrepreneurs to find market for their rural products, but also, this national festival is a platform which arrange the get together of the diverse yet secular culture of our country. Minister said.

Shri.Muhammad Muhsin, MLA, Pattambi presided over the function. Shri. S.Harikishore, Executive Director, Kudumbashree presented the report. Shri. Paloli Muhammed Kutty, Former Minister, LSGD was felicitated during the function.

More than 4000 Kudumbashree women took part in the procession organised prior to the inaugural function. Micro entrepreneurs from 25 states across the country including Kerala are taking part in the programme. Around 250 stalls are opened, out of which 100 stalls are of other states. The 70,000 sqft big pavilion and food court is the main attraction of the Mela. A sale of Rs 1 lakh was recorded on the inaugural day itself.

The handicrafts that would showcase the heritage and culture of each states, art forms, jewellery, fabrics, utensils etc would be for sale at the Saras Mela.

Apart from the stalls, 22 stalls are opened for food courts out of which 13 are from Kerala and 9 of them are offering cuisines from different states across the country. Dalbaati choorma, Kabakri, Puran Munde Kheer etc are the few of the foods offered by the different states. 45 tables and 315 chairs are set up at the food court for serving the food.

The programme strictly follow the green protocol and is opened from 10 AM to 10 PM. Daily cultural programmes are also arranged in connection with the mela. Entry to Saras Mela is absolutely free.

Adding more colour to Kerala's festive days, Saras Mela 2018 is being an incredible opportunity to get acquainted with the cultural, artistic, traditional, and rich heritage values of different states across the country. The mela would come to an end on 7 April 2018.

Saras Mela 2018, the national food and cultural expo organised by Kudumbashree Mission, that would offer the best of traditional food and artistry is to start at the Ground near the Market, Pattambi, Palakkad on 29 March 2018. Dr. K.T Jaleel. Minister, Local Self government Department, Government of Kerala will officially inaugurate the programme.

entrepreneurs from 25 states across the country including Kerala will be the part of the programme. Around 250 stalls are opened, out of which 100 stalls would be of other states. 75 stalls would be opened by the entrepreneurs from Kerala. 40 stalls would be for the entrepreneurs from Rural Development Department. The handicrafts that would showcase the heritage and culture of each states, art forms, jewellery, fabrics, utensils etc would be for sale at the Saras Mela. The ethnic food prepared by the Kudumbashree women would add more colour to the programme. The 70,000 sqft big pavilion and food court is the main attraction of the Mela. Apart from the stalls, 22 stalls are opened for food courts out of which 13 are for Kerala and 9 of them would offer cuisines from different states across the country.

Saras fairs help the micro entrepreneurs to sell out their products to the consumers without the interventions of the middle men and would help them to grow better business relations and thereby increase their sales. this would in turn help them in earning more income and better life style.

The programme would strictly follow green protocol and would be opened from 10 AM to 10 PM. Only cloth bags and paper bags would be used during the mela. A sale of Rs 6 crore is expected from the mela. Daily cultural programmes are also arranged in connection with the programme. Entry to Saras Mela is absolutely free.

Other than sales stalls, reception, office room, police aid post, medical room, cloak room etc are also arranged. For the security of the public visiting the mela, full time service of police and fire force are also ensured. Convergence with Suchithwa Mission is also ensured for making the Saras mela an ecofriendly one.

Saras Mela 2018 would be an incredible opportunity to get acquainted with the cultural, artistic, traditional, and rich heritage values of different states across the country. Undoubtedly, Saras Mela 2018 would add more colour to the festive days of Kerala. The mela would come to an end on 7 April 2018.

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.

The Presidents and Secretaries of the 7 Area Development Societies of Kudumbashree received the ‘Swachhatha Excellency Awards’ for the notable interventions made by them in the sanitation programmes in the state from Shri. Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India during the programme held at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra, Dr. Rizal Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi on 22 March 2018.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs selected 7 Area Development Societies of Kudumbashree for ‘Swachhatha Excellency Awards’ for the notable interventions made by them in the sanitation programmes. The awards were announced at the workshop conducted prior to the award distribution programme. Award Money of Rs 1.5 Lakh, along with memento and certificate was given away to the Kazhakootam ADS of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation which came in the first place. Kalady ADS of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Thamarakuzhi ADS & Moonnampadi ADS of Malappuram Municipality which came second were given an award money of Rs. 1 Lakh, along with mementos and certificates. Chappara ADS of Kodungalloor Municipality, Kulathoor ADS and Punnakkamughal ADS of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation which came in the third place were given award money of Rs 50,000 along with along with mementos and certificates. The Awards are for the various interventions that Kudumbashree ADSs made in vector control, waste disposal mechanisms, awareness campaigns, organic manure promotion, grow bag cultivation, plastic recycling etc.

The selection committee including Shri. S. Harikishore, Executive Director, Kudumbashree, Smt. Haritha V Kumar, Director, Urban Affairs Department and Shri. Binu Francis, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree selected and sent the 21 entries out of the 206 entries received from the various urban local bodies to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. The officials from Quality Council of India had inspected the 21 shortlisted ADSs and submitted the reports. It is on its basis that the selection committee presided by the Joint Secretary, Ministry Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India selected the best performing ADSs from Kerala.

Kudumbashree bagged the award worth Rs 6 crore for the best performance by implementing NULM successfully in 93 Urban Local Bodies in the State. The Award was received by Shri.S. Harikishore, Executive Director, Kudumbashree, Shri. Binu Francis, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Shri. Jaison.P.J, Shri. Sudheer.K.B, Shri.Rajesh Kumar, State Programme Managers, Kudumbashree from Shri.Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Urban Affairs Minister, Government of India, at the programme held at Pravasi Bharathi Kendra, New Delhi on 22 March 2018.

The programmes implemented by Kudumbashree during 2017-18 in the urban areas made Kudumbashree qualified for the National Award. Other than the Awards received for Kudumbashree National Resource Organization and National Rural Livelihoods Mission, this is the third National Award Kudumbashree had been receiving this year for the best performance.

The rehabilitation of the street vendors and street dwellers, NHG formation, skill training, making avail loans for finding jobs of one's own, successfully linking the accounts of the beneficiaries with Aadhar were the programmes considered for the award.

Other than National Urban Livelihoods Mission, Kudumbashree is also the nodal agency of the other centrally designed programmes like Pradhan Manthri Awas Yojana, National Rural Livelihoods Mission and Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameena Kaushalya Yojana.

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.

The Prathidhwani Talk Show organised in connection with the State Level Gender Campaign Neetham 2018 attracted masses. The Kudumbashree women from various districts across the state shared their experiences on how Kudumbashree Mission touched their lives. It was Kudumbashree Mission which changed their lives altogether and brought them to the forefront of the society. Shri. Kadakampally Surendran, Minister, Devaswom-Tourism-Cooperative Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the function. The talk show showcased the growth that Kudumbashree Mission attained through its 20 years of service. Kudumbashree is the best example of Women's development in Kerala. Minister said.

The best 2 life experience stories selected from each districts were presented during the talk show programme.10 minutes was allotted for everyone. The participants shared their life stories before and after joining Kudumbashree. For everyone, it was Kudumbashree Mission which played a crucial role in their personality development and education as well. Smt. Yasmin, Smt. J. Radhamani Ravi, Smt. Prasanna Kumari, Smt. Aji Basheer, Smt. Bindu Wilson, Smt. Fareena Shahjahan, Smt. M.V. Bhageerathi, Smt. Chandrajanam Radhakrishnan, Smt. Prasanna Kumari, Smt.Sakeena, Smt. Laksmi Rajan, Smt.Usha Uthaman, Smt.Deepa Nair, Smt. Pathmavathi, Smt.Ambili Bhaskaran, Smt.Valsala.M. Smt. Kalamani, Smt.K.Thahira, Smt.Sindhu.S, Smt. Lissy Martin, Smt.Mini.K, Smt. Sonu.S.Nair, Smt.Padmini, Smt.Ambili Nair, Smt.Anitha Soman, Smt.Salomi Roby, Smt.Smitha Mol, Smt. Mercy George and Smt.T.T Ramla shared about the financial and intellectual they had acquired through Kudumbashree.

Kudumbashree Mission, which had made significant interventions in the women empowerment area, should now focus on the health of women, said Smt. E.S. Bijimol, MLA who presided over the function. The subject presentation was done by Shri. S. Harikishore, Executive Director, Kudumbashree Mission. Shri. Pramod, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering. Adv. C.S Sujatha, Governing Body Member, Smt. M.K Remya, Governing Body Member, Prof. Geetha Kutty, Head, Centre for Women Studies Kerala Agriculture University, Smt. Mini Sukumar, Head, Centre for Women Studies, Calicut University and Shri. Pramod Payyanur, Member Secretary, Bharath Bhavan were the panelists of the programme. Ms.Sujitha, State Assistant Programme Manager extended vote of thanks.