About us
Our Motivation
In the states of Jharkhand and Bihar, the abundant flora lends itself to tasar sericulture, sustaining a traditional tasar silk production industry for generations. Within this industry, women from marginalized communities find an opportunity to earn cash income by crafting yarn from locally sourced cocoons. Silk yarn production, facilitated by machinery developed by Central Silk Board (CSB), possesses a dual character, blending commercial and social aspects. This endeavor demands extensive training and support for the women involved, requiring a balance between business acumen and social responsibility. While NGOs and state sericulture departments have introduced women from non-weaver families to this activity, the lack of proper commercial guidance and logistical support has hindered their ability to sustainably leverage available resources.
Our Journey
Recognizing the potential for impactful change, Tribal and Rural Development Foundation (TRDF) advocates for a focused approach to yarn making as a means of livelihood, aiming to amplify its social impact. Moreover, TRDF envisions diversifying opportunities within the region, exploring avenues to broaden livelihood prospects. Central to this mission is TRDF’s commitment to engage and empower women from marginalized communities, facilitating their involvement in yarn production through comprehensive support services, including raw material procurement and full-scale marketing assistance, thus allowing them to concentrate on the production process.
Our Impact in the Community
TRDF works with women from rural communities, facing marginalization across economic status, social class and caste.
- At the end of 2023, TRDF had helped create livelihood opportunities for 461 women in rural Bihar and Jharkhand.
- By providing ongoing training, raw material, and marketing support, TRDF has supported the generation of an estimated INR 20.44 million in wages for women.
- On average, women engaged in part-time yarn-making can earn up to INR 4,500 per month with TRDF’s support.
TRDF strives to bolster the local economy and ecosystem, by creating income opportunities that eliminates the displacement caused by migration. Women are able to sustain a stable lifestyle for their families, ensuring uninterrupted educational opportunities for their children in the long term.