From cycle ribs to world class lace

From crude cycle ribs to world-class lacework and crochet "" that's the success story of Adarsha Women Mutually Aided Co-operative Thrift and Credit Society of Poduru in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.

From saving one rupee a day out of their meagre household expenses, the members of this society have today become successful exporters forming 269 self-help groups (SHGs) in the area, their laceworks finding place in the fast growing market in countries like the USA, Italy, Malaysia and Singapore.

Their annual exports has crossed Rs 20 lakh, two-thirds of its production of around Rs 30 lakh worth laced items like bed-sheets, garments, sofa and telephone covers and other numerous craft items.

Taking up the task of empowering rural women, the society encouraged the local poor women, who were engaged in production of lace articles during their free hours at home with the crude iron ribs of the bicycle using thick threads, to save a rupee a day from their meagre earnings.

Enrolling them as its members, it trained them in craft activities, providing improved designs, tools, techniques and finally marketing their products.

Today, the society has provided employment to 3,000 women through the Bangladesh modelled 269 SGHs. With the help of NIFT, Hyderabad, these women artisans have become producers of export-oriented articles.

This has raised the living standard of these poor women and their families and produce world famous lace articles, which is finding increasing demand abroad.

"Our demand abroad is increasing so much, we are finding it difficult to meet it," Society president Ranga Nageshwari told Business Standard.

"Initially, when we exported through export agents we were getting Rs 30 for a half-kg bundle. Today, with direct exports, we are getting Rs 150," Nageshwari, who recently visited Malaysia and Sri Lanka to explore market potential for its lace and other items, said.

Besides continuing its empowerment work, the SGHs are engaged in 'e-seva', providing on-line payment assistance for the people in their area, conducting literacy, health and welfare programmes.

The society's achievement has been recognised with a number of awards, including the state award in 2002.

After a Rs 12-lakh business last year, the society is back in Mysore for holding a live demonstration and sale in selected crafts, added government of India handicrafts marketing and service extension centre assistant director S C Devaramani.