Women’s group in Kottuvally set to launch a unique venture

A wide variety of products to be made from processed water hyacinth

A group of 25 women in Kottuvally grama panchayat under the Haritha Karma Sena is preparing to launch a venture to manufacture products out of processed water hyacinth.

The Ernakulam District Kudumbashree Mission and the grama panchayat are involved in the project, which is expected to go full steam shortly after the women complete training at the Kottappuram Integraded Development Society (KIDS) with the support of the Mission.

Those trained in using water hyacinth to make various products use their imagination. The products brought out during the training programme include bags, purses, file holders, book binding materials, jewellery, boxes, flower vases, table mats, and mobile holders.

Kottuvally is blessed with waterbodies, where water hyacinth is available in plenty. The aquatic plant is said to cause inconvenience to both movement of water vessels and fishing activities. Water hyacinths measuring 16 to 18 centimetres are chosen to be processed for making products. They are plucked out of water, dried, and processed.

A woman who is part of the project said Haritha Karma Sena members were involved in collecting plastic and other materials for 15 days in a month. The new water hyacinth project will provide them with employment for the rest of the month.

Products made from water hyacinth can replace plastic products, as they are durable. However, finding an effective marketing outlet is a challenge. KIDS Kottappuram said it would help in the marketing process if quality products were churned out, sources said.