Name: Peermade Development Society (PDS)
Country: India
Active since: 1980
Member of IFOAM – Organics International since 1999
This article is originally written by Jacob Jose, Manager for Business Development at PDS Organic Spices, and has been edited for clarity and format to suit the blog.
In the highlands of Idukki district of Kerala state in India, where the Western Ghats stand as a bastion of biodiversity, rural women have long been the backbone of agriculture. Yet, despite their immense contributions to farming, livestock management, and organic cultivation, they remain under-appreciated and face systemic barriers—limited land ownership, restricted access to resources, and socio-economic constraints reinforced by patriarchal norms. To address these challenges, the Peermade Development Society (PDS), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) operating in the region, launched the Vetiver-Based Women Micro-entrepreneurship Initiative, blending environmental sustainability with economic empowerment of rural women.
From Caretakers to Changemakers
For generations, Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) was a natural ally of local farmers, used for soil conservation and traditional medicine. However, over time, this indigenous practice was lost. With Idukki increasingly vulnerable to climate change—erratic monsoons, flash floods, and soil erosion—the need to restore this natural barrier became urgent.
Recognising its potential, PDS reintroduced Vetiver cultivation, distributing slips to farmers as a regenerative solution. But the initiative didn’t stop at conservation. The organisation saw an opportunity in the underutilised Vetiver leaves, which grew abundantly but were often discarded.
Vetiver grass cultivation supports soil conservation, and after harvest, it can be used in traditional medicine or as a raw material for handicrafts. ©Peermade Development Society.
A Pathway to Entrepreneurship
The Peermade Development Society (PDS) has been promoting organic agriculture among the small-scale and marginal farmers in the region for last three decades with an aim of rural empowerment and agro-ecological sustainability. In partnership with supporting agencies, PDS trained a group of women from the organic farmer’s family to craft sustainable gift packets from Vetiver leaves in 2014. These women, many of whom had never earned their own income, learned to weave gift boxes and baskets—blending traditional skills with modern utility. They formed a self-help group, gaining not just craft expertise but also training in governance, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.
The impact was transformative. Women who were once financially dependent on their families now had a sustainable income . Their handcrafted Vetiver boxes were purchased by PDS to package organic spices, creating a direct market linkage. The initiative didn’t just provide jobs; it nurtured confidence, independence, and leadership among these women.
Rural women from organic farmer families use vetiver grass to weave gift boxes and baskets. ©Peermade Development Society.
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
This initiative is more than just an economic opportunity; it is a movement challenging gender norms and fostering social inclusivity. Women who were once confined to household roles now contribute to their families’ income, make financial decisions, and gain recognition in their communities. By stepping into entrepreneurship, they are not only securing their own futures but also setting an example for the next generation of girls.
Moreover, their work has environmental significance. By repurposing Vetiver leaves into eco-friendly packaging, they are reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability. Their craftsmanship is a testament to the power of local solutions in tackling global challenges like climate change and environmental degradation.
The handcrafted vetiver boxes and baskets are sold as packaging for organic spices. ©Peermade Development Society.
A Model for Sustainable Women’s Empowerment
Today, the Vetiver-Based Women Micro-entrepreneurship Initiative stands as a beacon of empowerment, resilience, and sustainability. It demonstrates how traditional knowledge, when revived and reimagined, can drive economic independence for women while safeguarding the environment. Through this initiative, women are not just earning a livelihood—they are reclaiming their agency, revitalizing their heritage, and leading their communities towards a sustainable future.
When women thrive, communities prosper. This initiative proves that empowering women is not just about economic gain—it’s about transforming societies, strengthening ecosystems, and ensuring a future where both people and nature flourish together. Its impact has won international market recognition – receiving the International Micro-Entrepreneurship Award in Paris in 2014.
Rural women also form self-help groups to share craft expertise, financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills. ©Peermade Development Society.
Multi-dimensional Impact
The Vetiver Women Micro-entrepreneurship initiative by PDS has catalysed the long-term sustainability of the socio-agrological fabric of the region by transforming ecological activities into economic opportunities. By reviving the traditional practice of planting Vetiver for soil conservation and integrating it into the value chain as a women empowerment initiative, PDS ensures the sustainability of conservation efforts. This initiative highlights the mutually beneficial interaction between nature and local communities, showcasing how environmental conservation can drive social and economic empowerment.
This initiative has enabled around 100 women to achieve financial independence and acquire skills in crafting, financial management and entrepreneurial capabilities. Meanwhile, the additional family income generated through women’s entrepreneurship ensures that conservation activities are economically viable, promoting resilience and regeneration of the agro-ecosystem in the Western Ghats region.
