From Coconut Waste to Economic Empowerment:

Story of an SHG memeber turned into a successful entrepreneur turning Coconut Waste to Coconut Coir Rope in Anakapalli.

Ms Dharaboina Venkata Lakshmi, a member of the Sai Baba self-help group in Koruprolu Panchayat, S.Rayavaram mandalam, Anakapalli district, has been actively involved in the group for the past 10 years. Along with her husband, she initially engaged in farming, but two years ago, she and her group of 10 people received a loan of 10,00,000/- from the State Bank of India, Gudivada branch.

With the loan, Venkata Lakshmi was able to purchase the materials and set up a unit to make natural ropes from coconut waste, using the husk of coconuts as the raw material. The coconut fiber is collected from a nearby factory at a cost of 6000/- per ton, and 6 tons are imported per month to make the ropes. These ropes are then exported to shops in nearby villages in Narsipatnam, Anakapalli, Sabbavaram, and Paravada.

With a monthly rent of 3000/- for the shop used for the purpose and a Vidyut bill of 4000/- per month, Venkata Lakshmi is able to make and sell 5 tonnes of coconut ropes per month, earning an income of 1,75,000/-. Not only has this small business provided a happy life for her and her family, but it has also created employment for other local women and provides a daily wage of 300/-.

It is important to note that the success of this self-help group and Venkata Lakshmi's business is also a result of the support and guidance provided by PD and DRDA. They played a crucial role in enabling self-help groups and empowering individuals to take control of their own lives and create a better future for themselves and their community.

"The beauty of a self-help group is that it empowers individuals to take control of their own lives and create a better future for themselves and their community."

This quote exemplifies the importance of self-help groups like the Sai Baba self-help group, and how it can empower individuals like Dharaboina Venkata Lakshmi to pursue their dreams and create a better future for themselves and their community with the help of PD and DRDA.