Parali is a byproduct of rice harvesting, which was traditionally burned in preparation for crop. This created pollution and a loss of income.
The Parali Project transformed parali into artisanal products, promoting the preservation of the environment and upliftment of society.
- Byproducts of Parali
- It is converted into functional products, such as baskets, cookers, and minimalist home decor through traditional techniques such as weaving, weaving, and rope-making.
- Women Self Help Groups
- The project trains, supplies raw materials, and opens market access to the women’s Self-Help Groups, which can be considered as a lifeline for them, furthering environmental causes.
Ecological Sustainability
- Crop Residues Reduces
- The parali project does reduce crop residues burnt, keeping the soil health intact and helping to reduce harmful greenhouse gases emissions.
- Biodegradable
- Since parali is biodegradable, it forms an eco-friendly alternative to plastic and synthetic items.
- Achievements
- The project has prevented 250 million kg of greenhouse gases and saved INR 720 lakhs on nutrient content and reduced costs for farmers.
- Already successful in Odisha and West Bengal.
Future Vision: Scaling Parali’s Potential
- Expansion
- The project is expanding its uses beyond home decor, including biodegradable packaging and bioenergy production.
- People and Planet
- The project deepens a connection between the people and the planet, enabling rural livelihoods and transforming parali from pollutant to resources with environmental as well as economic benefits.