Attappadi's Karthumbi umbrellas in demand, but funds fall short

HELD back by a lack of funds and delayed government support, the Karthumbi Umbrella Project in Attappadi is struggling to keep up with the rising demand.

- VARSHA SOMARAJ @T'Puram

HELD back by a lack of funds and delayed government support, the Karthumbi Umbrella Project in Attappadi is struggling to keep up with the rising demand. Launched in 2014 by the tribal welfare group Thampu, the initiative has become a lifeline for tribal women in one of the state's most marginalized regions.

"We've made around 12,000 umbrellas this year so far," says Rajendra Prasad, coordinator at Thampu. "Once schools reopen, the number could rise to 20,000-22,000," he said.

The project began with a goal to offer sustainable employment to tribal women who had little to no access to economic independence.

Currently, 30 women across 13 tribal hamlets are actively making three-fold and walking stick umbrellas at home, taking raw materials from a central store and stitching them during their free time. "One experienced woman can make up to 15-20 umbrellas a day. It takes about 20 minutes to make one. If she finishes 20, she earns ₹600," said Prasad.

These numbers could be much higher. But what is stopping them? A lack of consistent support.