Dakshina Kannada women SHGs turn coconut husk, cow dung into income

Women self-help groups in Dakshina Kannada's Bantwal taluk have begun processing coconut husk into 200 kg of coco husk powder under the Integrated Farming Clusters initiative of the DAY-NRLM. Shri Durga Sthree Shakthi at Pilathabettu has set up a coconut husk shredder, and Jaya Bharathi Sanjeevini Sangha has installed a pulveriser machine. The machines cost Rs 85,000 and Rs 31,000 respectively. Four members operate the shredder unit, which has run since May. Farmers bring husk for processing, while the group also collects husk from surrounding areas. Seetha, master book keeper, said demand is strong among jasmine growers.

A separate unit at Nidpalli in Puttur, run by Keerthi Sthree Shakti Sangha, produces cow dung powder. One machine that can process 10 kg per hour is installed, with plans for more based on demand. Member Anitha said rain has made drying difficult, so full operations are expected after October. Zilla Panchayat CEO Narwade Vinayak Karbhari said DK is a frontrunner in implementing the IFC clusters. Project Director Jayaram K E said 27 clusters are planned across nine taluks, of which three are active, tenders for remaining taluks have been initiated.