In the tribal hamlets of Attappady, millets have long been central to food culture and farming practices. However, limited access to processing facilities made it difficult for farmers to convert their harvest into market-ready products. This reduced saleability, lowered incomes, and weakened the local millet economy over time.
To address this gap, Thanal Trust, in partnership with UST through its CSR programme, established a Millet Processing Unit in Attappady. The facility was inaugurated on 20 December 2021 with the aim of improving processing efficiency, enabling value addition, and strengthening local livelihoods—particularly for women from the community.
With the processing unit in place:
- Millets can now be processed locally and efficiently
- Farmers receive better value for their produce
- Women are actively involved in operating and managing the unit
- Traditional, nutritious foods are promoted within and beyond the community
The unit has helped bridge the gap between cultivation and market access, reinforcing the viability of millet-based livelihoods.
Impact & Benefits
- Improved millet processing capacity at the community level
- Enhanced income opportunities for tribal farmers
- Local employment generation, especially for women
- Strengthened market access for millet products
- Support for traditional food systems and nutrition
The millet processing unit remains operational and community-managed, continuing to support value addition and local enterprise development. Through sustained use and collective ownership, it contributes to rural economic resilience and long-term agro-economic sustainability in Attappady.
Our Approach to CSR Partnerships
Thanal works with CSR partners to co-create community-centred, ecologically responsible initiatives. Each project is designed for long-term relevance, local ownership, and sustainability beyond the funding period.