150 Andhra Women Are Turning a Harmful Water Weed Into Handbags, Home Décor & Income

In Andhra Pradesh's Chinnapuram village, artisan Kalpana exemplifies a transformative initiative where an invasive water hyacinth, once a nuisance, has become a vital source of income. This rapidly spreading plant, which traditionally clogged canals and ponds in Krishna district, is now being repurposed by women like Kalpana into practical and decorative items such as handbags, baskets, and lampshades. Kalpana shared with The New Indian Express that her craft demands "skill and dedication," enabling her to earn between Rs 500 and Rs 700 daily. She is part of a broader effort that has trained approximately 150 women across the district to derive a livelihood from this troublesome weed.

The journey of transforming this aquatic menace began in October 2024 when the Krishna district administration launched a training programme in Chinnapuram village, Machilipatnam mandal. This initiative aimed to empower women from self-help groups with the craft of making products from water hyacinth. Starting with 50 women, the programme brought in experienced artisans from Assam, including national award-winning craftsperson Rita Das and her team. The training involved a detailed process: collecting the water hyacinth, drying it in the sun for nearly 15 days, hand-weaving its stalks into various shapes, and finally applying gumming and polishing for strength and a smooth finish. Participants received an allowance of Rs 300 per day during their training.

Today, the Chinnapuram artisans boast a diverse range of 50 to 60 varieties of handicrafts, including storage containers, mats, trays, and decorative items. To streamline their operations, the women have formed a society called Hyaloom, which manages orders, production, and income distribution. A February 2026 report by The New Indian Express indicated that artisans in the group were earning an average of Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 monthly, with earnings subject to demand. By September 2026, the programme had expanded beyond Chinnapuram to other Krishna district villages such as Chevendra, Leelagudem, and Tamirisa, successfully training around 150 women. This expansion has also amplified the environmental benefit, with the programme now capable of removing approximately 150 tonnes of water hyacinth monthly, up from 100-120 tonnes during the initial phase.

The initiative's economic impact is substantial, having generated approximately Rs 20 lakh in combined sales and earnings, with an estimated 20% margin after expenses, including labour charges, as reported by The Times of India. Marketing support for these products comes from Lepakshi, and the district administration is actively exploring new sales channels, including major temples at Srikalahasti, Srisailam, and Kanaka Durga. Beyond handicrafts, the organic manure produced during the processing of water hyacinth is also finding buyers among local farmers. Looking ahead, Y Hari Hara Nath, project director of the District Rural Development Agency, told The Times of India that ensuring "regular orders and sustainable market opportunities" for the trained women is the next priority, with plans to expand the programme to the district's remaining 20 mandals.

Why it matters: Sustainable livelihoods are being created by turning environmental challenges into economic opportunities.

Editor's note: The draft effectively incorporates all relevant data points, names, and figures from the source material.