Nuapada: Turning nature’s bounty into a source of livelihood, 30 women from the Ganga Producer Group in Nuapada district have taken up the production of eco-friendly leaf plates and bowls with the support of the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS).
Equipped with modern machinery, the women are manufacturing leaf-based plates and bowls as an environment-friendly alternative to single-use plastic products. The initiative was formally inaugurated by Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik.
The enterprise aims to promote sustainable livelihoods among rural women while contributing to the reduction of single-use plastic. By making productive use of naturally available resources, the women have transformed a traditional practice into a modern income-generating activity.
The products are being sold in local markets, hotels and during various government programmes, creating a steady market for the women-led enterprise. According to the department, each participating woman earns around Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per month through the activity.
The initiative is being viewed as an example of how access to modern technology, institutional support and locally available resources can create new economic opportunities for rural communities.
Besides generating income and enhancing the economic independence of women, the initiative is also helping promote environmentally sustainable practices by encouraging the use of biodegradable alternatives to plastic.
The efforts of the Ganga Producer Group bring together three important objectives — environmental protection, women’s empowerment and the strengthening of the rural economy — demonstrating how grassroots enterprises can contribute to sustainable development.
The success of these women in turning natural resources into a viable source of income is expected to inspire more rural communities to explore sustainable livelihood opportunities.
