Bamboo bling boost for rural women in Nandyal district

A five-day bamboo jewellery training programme is underway in Karivena village (Nallakalava) of Atmakur mandal in Nandyal district till February 21, aiming to create sustainable livelihoods for rural women. Organised by DRDA–Velugu, the initiative focuses on promoting self-employment, value addition to bamboo cultivation and strengthening women’s financial independence through eco-friendly enterprise development.

Women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across five mandals of Nandyal district are participating in the programme with enthusiasm. Project Director, DRDA–Velugu, Sridhar Reddy attended as chief guest and stressed that self-employment is key to women’s empowerment. He said bamboo-based products have strong market potential and can generate income from home with minimal investment. Area Coordinator Midde Pullayya, Assistant Project Managers Y. Kesheeswarudu and A. Uma Maheswari, Pamulapadu Mandal Mahila Samakhya President Brahmaramba, community coordinators and accountant Malik were present.

The highlight of the programme is the presence of Dr. Neera Sarmah, popularly known as the Bamboo Lady of India, who travelled from Assam to Atmakur to personally train women in bamboo jewellery making. Having trained over 10,000 women nationwide, she is providing hands-on guidance in bamboo selection, processing, designing, finishing, packaging and marketing.

The programme is spearheaded by V. Ramudu, Retired DCTP, Government of Andhra Pradesh, who developed a 15-acre bamboo plantation with four varieties including Bambusa Polymorpha, known for its smooth and shiny texture ideal for jewellery. Ramudu said the goal is to create skilled local women trainers who 

can train others, boosting value-added bamboo products and rural entrepreneurship.