What was once a troublesome water weed clogging canals in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district has become a valuable raw material for 150 women artisans. Through training and creativity, these women are weaving water hyacinth into handbags, baskets, lampshades, and more, supporting their families while helping clear local waterways.
- 150 women trained in Krishna district to make crafts from water hyacinth
- Products include handbags, baskets, lampshades, and storage containers
- Programme removes 150 tonnes of this invasive weed monthly
What happened
In October 2024, the Krishna district administration launched a training program in Chinnapuram village to teach local women the skills needed to craft products from water hyacinth. This invasive aquatic plant had been causing problems by clogging canals and obstructing movement. The training involved experienced artisans from Assam, including national award-winning craftsperson Rita Das.
Women learned how to collect, sun dry, weave, and finish the plant material to create a variety of items like handbags, baskets, lampshades, mats, and trays. The program started with 50 women and expanded to around 150 participants by September 2026. The initiative also included a society called Hyaloom to manage production, orders, and income sharing.
Why it feels good
This program not only tackles an environmental challenge but also empowers women with steady income and skills. Many artisans, including Kalpana from Chinnapuram, report earnings of Rs 500 to Rs 700 daily, with monthly incomes averaging between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000. This additional income is a meaningful boost for their households.
Besides financial benefits, the women express pride in transforming what was once discarded waste into beautiful, useful products. Their dedication and creativity shine through each handicraft, fostering self-reliance and community spirit in the region.
What to enjoy or watch next
The initiative is steadily growing, with about 150 tonnes of water hyacinth removed monthly thanks to the increased production capacity. The district administration is working to secure sustainable market opportunities, including exploring collaborations with well-known temples such as Srikalahasti, Srisailam, and Kanaka Durga for product placement and sales.
As the program expands to cover more mandals within the district, the focus will remain on ensuring consistent orders and revenue streams for the women. Local organic manure production from residual plant material is also emerging as a new income avenue, supporting broader environmental and economic goals.