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Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs: Sustainable Livelihood Through Crockery Unit

The paper plate business has made its mark in recent years. Paper crockery has gained preference over plastic plates over the years. Due to its eco-friendly properties, the demand for paper plates has witnessed a massive boost. Paper plates emerged as the replacement for steel, glass as well as ceramic material that we use on a frequent basis in our day-to-day lives. In India, the large-scale usage factor works well for the soaring demand for paper plates. In events, functions, as well as parties, paper plates are in demand. People living in rural and urban areas are using these plates in all sorts of occasions and events.

A crockery unit has been established in the year 2021-2022 in Dihina Village of Hajo Block of Kamrup rural district of Assam by Citizens Foundation with the support of HDFC Bank’s PARIVARTAN. A total of 6 beneficiaries were supported through this intervention. The unit has been set up and it runs on electricity and is used to make paper plates in 2 different sizes as well as paper cups are also made. They sell their produce in the village functions be it marriage or otherwise. The beneficiaries’ requests come to via the VDC with an application. Then the Cluster committee verifies them and then CF goes for field verification in terms of space and other factors like the living standard families of the beneficiaries, etc. Families with young children are preferred. Also, beneficiaries must belong to BPL category.

CHALLENGES

The major source of income for the be

neficiaries is agriculture. And since the area is flood prone so during the rainy season the income drops to zero. The side income of the beneficiaries also comes from renting out their vehicle. During those times the beneficiaries find it very difficult to handle their financials and day-to-day spending.

PRESENT CONDITION

With the support of the Crockery unit set up by HDFC Parivartan, the beneficiaries make and sell the paper plates to the village functions. The revenue adds up as an extra income for the beneficiaries and enables them to better handle their expenses. A part of the revenue goes in managing the operating expenses be it electricity charges or raw materials. A total of 7 beneficiaries run the unit together and they are to divide the revenue equally among themselves. They have also put up a part of the revenue aside to further invest in the unit so as to expand the production. They sell their produce in all the functions happening in the village and this ensures a sustained source of revenue.

TESTIMONY

“We are thankful to Citizens Foundation and HDFC Bank’s PARIVARTAN for supporting us with this unit, we are able to thrive with our business ever since this unit was set up” said Sukumar Das.