Kudumbashree, the women empowerment programme implemented by the Government of Kerala, has developed a range of value-added sweet potato products under the ‘Punarjeevana Madhuram’ project. The products are made from sweet potatoes cultivated by women farmers from tribal communities in Attappady, Kerala.
The initiative has been developed with technology support from the ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Thiruvananthapuram, which transferred 12 technologies for the project.
The product range includes sweet potato kulfi, different types of sweet potato flour, health mix, soup, gummies and chips. These products have been developed using fortified orange and purple-fleshed sweet potato varieties and will be marketed under Kudumbashree’s premium agri-food brand K-INAM.
The Punarjeevana project was launched in 2024 to create sustainable farm livelihood opportunities, improve nutrition and build sweet potato value chains among tribal communities and women entrepreneurs in Attappady.
At present, different varieties of sweet potato are being cultivated on more than 100 acres in Attappady, Kerala’s only tribal taluk. Around 80 women farmers are receiving livelihood support through the scheme. Hybrid planting material, farming inputs, field-level training and skill development support are being provided directly to the farmers.
Instead of selling sweet potatoes only as vegetables in local markets, the project focuses on value addition through technology under the Kudumbashree-Technology Advancement Programme (K-TAP). This approach is expected to help farmers and women entrepreneurs earn better returns from the crop.
Minister for Local Self-Government K. M. Shaji inaugurated Punarjeevana Madhuram on June 19, 2026. He said Kudumbashree products have the potential to enter export markets and appreciated the fact that they are being produced by ordinary women entrepreneurs.
“The next stage of Kudumbashree, which began with the aim of poverty alleviation, is a transition towards prosperity. Punarjeevana Madhuram will help achieve that aim,” he said.
Vigneshwari V., Executive Director, Kudumbashree, presented the K-INAM-branded products to the Minister. G. Byju, Director, ICAR-CTCRI; H. Dineshan, Land Revenue Commissioner; M. S. Sajeev, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CTCRI; and S. Shanavas, State Programme Officer, Kudumbashree Farm Livelihood vertical, were also present.
The Minister also visited the ICAR-CTCRI Techno-Incubation Centre at Sreekaryam, Thiruvananthapuram. The centre supports entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups in commercialising value-added products made from cassava and other tropical tuber crops. Its facilities include commercial extrusion and baking units for low-glycaemic foods, pasta and snacks, along with hands-on technical training.