Reed Workers

SEWA has been actively supporting the traditional reed workers of Vellanad and Nedumangadu since the 1980s, helping them organize and secure raw material through the Government Bamboo Corporation. As reed availability declined after 2002, SEWA introduced skill development programs to help workers create higher-value products using less material, ensuring sustainable livelihoods. These initiatives are supported by government bodies and rural self-employment training institutes. The organization is led by President Sukumari and Secretary Lekha.

SEWA has a long history of working with the traditional reed workers community in Vellanad and Nedmangadu areas. In the early 1980’s when this traditional sectors faced serious problems, we helped them organize. It was through this intervention and support that they succeeded to get a supply of reeds through the Government Bamboo Corporation which established its depot in Veliyanoor

From 2002 onwards, as the supply of reeds dwindled, SEWA introduced a series of skill development trainings in order to produce a variety of products with less reed and higher prices so that the workers could continue to earn a livelihood through their traditional trade. These activities are carried on with the support of the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles Government of India, Indian Overseas Bank Rural Self Employment, Trivandrum and Union Bank Rural Self employment, Ernakulam.

President: Sukumari

Secretary: Lekha

SEWA has a long history of working with the traditional reed workers community in Vellanad and Nedmangadu areas. In the early 1980’s when this traditional sectors faced serious problems, we helped them organize. It was through this intervention and support that they succeeded to get a supply of reeds through the Government Bamboo Corporation which established its depot in Veliyanoor

From 2002 onwards, as the supply of reeds dwindled, SEWA introduced a series of skill development trainings in order to produce a variety of products with less reed and higher prices so that the workers could continue to earn a livelihood through their traditional trade. These activities are carried on with the support of the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles Government of India, Indian Overseas Bank Rural Self Employment, Trivandrum and Union Bank Rural Self employment, Ernakulam.