Kudumbashree Mission Aims for ₹4 Crore Sales from Onam Fairs in Ernakulam

Thiruvananthapuram, India Aug 22, 2026 ALN: The Ernakulam District Kudumbashree Mission is gearing up for a significant celebration of Onam by organizing around 250 fairs across the district, with an ambitious sales target of ₹4 crore. This initiative not only highlights the cultural significance of Onam, a festival celebrated by millions in , but also underscores the mission's commitment to promoting local entrepreneurship and sustainable agricultural practices.

The fairs will feature a diverse array of products, including traditional pickles, snacks, fresh vegetables, and flowers, all marketed under the campaign ‘Onam with Kudumbashree’. This campaign aims to provide the public with unadulterated and quality products, thereby supporting local producers and fostering community engagement. The emphasis on locally made products is particularly significant, as it resonates with consumers' growing preference for fresh, organic, and pesticide-free items.

Rajeena T.M., the coordinator of the Kudumbashree District Mission, expressed optimism about achieving the sales target, citing the consistent performance of the Ernakulam unit in previous years. "The products are priced reasonably. Locally made products always attract a dedicated crowd of buyers. Apart from these fairs, customers can purchase Kudumbashree’s Onam products via the app Pocketmart. We are expecting sales to the tune of ₹4 crore this year. The Ernakulam unit has consistently performed well with our Onam fairs," she noted. This statement reflects the increasing integration of technology in local commerce, allowing consumers to access quality products conveniently through digital platforms.

Last year, during the Onam festivities, Kudumbashree registered a sales turnover of ₹3.59 crore, indicating a steady growth trajectory. The mission has also received numerous pre-bookings for Onasadya, a traditional Onam feast, which showcases the popularity and demand for such community-driven initiatives. The Onasadya is a hallmark of Onam celebrations, often featuring a variety of vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf, symbolizing abundance and sharing.

Community members like Jincy Sunil, who is part of the Kottappady Community Development Society (CDS), are optimistic about the upcoming fairs. She highlighted that her unit is offering more than five varieties of vegetables and marigold flowers, emphasizing the appeal of pesticide-free products. "The response from the public has been good, as they prefer our pesticide-free products," she remarked. This preference aligns with a broader trend among consumers who are increasingly health-conscious and concerned about the environmental impact of agricultural practices.

Another community member, Jincy Shaji from Neeleshwaram panchayat, shared her experience of successful Onam fairs over the past six years, expressing hope for a bumper sale this year as well. The success of these fairs not only boosts local economies but also strengthens community ties, as families come together to celebrate and support local artisans and farmers.

However, the path to achieving the sales target is not without its challenges. Erratic weather patterns have posed significant difficulties for local farmers, with some regions experiencing more damage to their crops compared to the previous year. Rajeena highlighted the impact of heavy rainfall, which has affected agricultural production. Under the ‘Onakkani’ initiative, 1,712 joint liability groups (JLGs) are engaged in cultivation across 1,318 acres. Unfortunately, due to the adverse weather conditions, approximately 111.23 acres of cultivated area have suffered damage. Additionally, under the ‘Nirapolima’ initiative, which focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, a total of 242 JLGs are working across 93 acres, with heavy rainfall damaging about 9.25 acres of this cultivated area.

In total, the heavy rainfall has adversely affected approximately 120.48 acres of cultivated land under both the Onakkani and Nirapolima initiatives. This situation highlights the vulnerability of local agriculture to climate change and unpredictable weather patterns, raising concerns about food security and the livelihoods of farmers. The Kudumbashree Mission's efforts to mitigate these challenges are crucial, as they not only support local economies but also contribute to the sustainability of agricultural practices in the region.

The Onam fairs organized by the Kudumbashree Mission serve as a vital platform for promoting local products and fostering community spirit. As the mission strives to meet its sales target of ₹4 crore, it also emphasizes the importance of resilience in the face of environmental challenges. The collective efforts of community members, local government, and organizations like Kudumbashree reflect a commitment to preserving cultural traditions while adapting to modern economic realities. The success of these fairs will not only be measured in sales figures but also in the strengthened bonds within the community and the sustainable practices adopted by local producers.