Judith Ravin, Consul General, US Consulate, Chennai and Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for Finance & Human Resources Management, Government of Tamil Nadu recently visited GreenKraft Producer Company Ltd. in Madurai.
The GreenKraft Producer Co. Ltd., incubated by Industree Foundation and currently supported by USAID, has over 3,700 women producers manufacturing sustainable home and lifestyle products from banana bark in 12 manufacturing units for international markets, which include clients like IKEA, Target, Carrefour, Caravan, Gala Group and The Forest Door.
The visit had interactions with women producers. A walkthrough of the unit was deemed a success and brought with it a welcome semblance of normalcy and return to the field, with all precautionary Covid-related measures in place.
Appreciating the work of women and Industree Foundation, Judith Ravin said, “We are truly proud to be a part of a project that has created such an impact on the lives of marginalised women and their families. We truly believe that the project, in time, will go on to impact and touch the lives of millions of women across the country.”
Palanivel Thiaga Rajan said, “The advancement of women is at the forefront, and GreenKraft, as a centre producing eco-friendly products from banana bark is a story of empowerment in its own right.”
Also Read: Industree Foundation: Growing footprint in apparel manufacturing
Neelam Chhiber, Co-founder, Industree Foundation told that the foundation is also leading the POWER project which is currently implemented in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Odisha across natural value chains of banana, bamboo and non-timber fibre produce. The support provided extends to training women on technical and entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, gender equality and women’s empowerment.
