Products of tribal entrepreneurs, others displayed at TN Beat expo in Coimbatore

COIMBATORE: Bamboo toothbrushes and bottles, wooden toys, coconut shell crafts, organic food and many other products made by self- help group members, including tribal people, from across Tamil Nadu have been displayed at the two-day TN Beat Expo that started at the Codissia trade fair complex here on Saturday.

The expo is being conducted by Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation Ltd.V Sulochana from Colony Pudur, a tribal settlement in Annaikatti, says, "SHG is the main reason for our livelihood. We are now able to do some business like packing herbal powder, forest honey, and tamarind. Apart from these, we also make small cotton bags. Women are able to make some money out of this business."K Jayashree, 37, from Theni district, an entrepreneur who manufactures menstrual cups, says, "Through SHGs, a maximum of Rs 10 lakh loan was facilitated, which I invested in a manufacturing company and now sell the product under my branding.

I was able to bring in a change in my own village through this business. More than 200 women in the village have started using these cups."P Subrahmaniam of Perur has displayed wooden toys made by his wife S Annapoorni, who is part of the Kadalarasi SHG of Perur. "These toys are made by nearly 10 women who are part of the SHG. Loans are often facilitated by the govt. The govt also provides a free training programme for SHGs. With the loans, we procured machinery, and at least 50 pieces can be manufactured every day," he says.Products of Kotha and Toda tribes attract many people. The products include homemade soaps, millet-based varkeys, lip balm, chocolates, honey, handmade jute bags, clips, pouches and traditional pottery.