Background:

The use and throw Palm Leaf Plates / Natural Leaf Plates/ Areca Leaf Plates and Cups made out of Areca Leaf are 100% biodegradable and compostable. These hygienic, non-odorous, non-toxic, light weight plates and cups made out of Areca leaf are environment friendly. An economical disposable alternative for all catering occasions. These areca leaf plates and areca leaf cups need no wash. These Areca Leaf Products are various products manufactured out of Areca Leaves. Few available products are Areca Leaf round plate in sizes of 6", 8", 10", 12" with different rib sizes, Areca leaf Hexagon plates in sizes of 6", 8", 10", 12", Areca Leaf rectangle plates in sizes 6.5"X4.5", 8"X5", Areca Leaf Round Bowl of 4", 5", Areca Leaf partition plates, Innovative Areca leaf Lunch box, etc. wool remains prized for its unique attributes. These are completely compostable, made from natural materials, easy-to-use, easy-to-carry & encourage others to switch to eco-friendly alternatives. Apart from these features, the plates are highly durable & can withstand hot & cold temperatures without deforming.

5 Prominent benefits of areca Leaf Plates

• It is made from Naturally-Sourced Materials
• They are Available in a Plethora of Styles
• You Can Easily Handle these Eco Friendly Products
• These Plates are Recyclable & Compostable
• There are Multiple Uses of Areca Leaf Plates such as in gatherings, parties etc

Gaps Identified:

Supply of raw material, Time consuming, low volume production, watage of leaves, Cost & quality of raw material & limited market, Seasonal market.

Interventions of ORMAS:

Women members of Producer Groups under ORMAS are playing an important role in breaking the Poverty barrier by earning some livelihood to support her family. The Chakanayana Mahila PG , Bajitpur, Bhograi was formed under the intervention of ORMAS in 2016, Since then it has been a major source of livelihood for its members. The PG has motivated several other women in the Block to form Producer Group and become self-reliant. Since inception the PG has been progressing continuously. Their journey is very inspiring. They Procure the Areca leaves from the nearby hoseholds in the block.

They have formed separate teams who look after different activities of the PG, such as collection of raw material, processing, packaging and machine operation.

The PG had earlier been provided two hand operated machine for making of Areca leaf plate and recently they have been provided 05 Automatic Hydraulic machine for the leaf plate making. This machine will takw up the production capacity to many folds. Earlier the capacity was only 450 Plates per day, while now the production capacity has gone up to 3000 plates per day.

The PG has been Provided several financial and handholding support. They have been given IB/CB & Equipment cost, Additional equipment cost, thematic training & Working capital support from ORMAS. Recently a Three Phase electricity connection was also provided to the PG by the Balasore Jeevika Producer Company Ltd with the help of ORMAS.

The PG is involved in making of several types and sizes of Areca leaf plates. Several women from the PG as well as outside members are getting benefitted due to the PG activities. The PG is able to provide Rs. 4000-7000 per month earning to its members.

Outcome & Present Status:

Their income is Constantly rising, This year i.e, 2021-22 they have sold a sum of Rs. 4,45,000 till December despite getting affected due to Covid-19 lockdowns.

Now a days PG is on the path to achieve Self-Sustainability. They have recently done several tie-ups with local and nearby vendors as well as outside district vendors. They are now in the process of getting food safety and Hygiene certification for their PG, which will boost up their sales as many other vendors have shown interest in purchasing Areca leaf plate from them after certification. Their Products have a certain demand in the market as well as in exhibitions due to their quality and USP and they are wishing to replicate the same via Online marketplaces too in upcoming times.

Details of Activity: