The MEDM division of Dhriiti has been promoting arecanut leaf plate manufacturing in the North Eastern states of Assam and Meghalaya since November 2004. After identifying the potential of the arecanut leaf plate industry in the North East in 2004, Dhriiti started off with its own pilot production unit at Barpeta in February 2005. The pilot unit was used by Dhriiti to learn about the whole process of producing and marketing arecanut leaf plates by direct practical experience before spreading the concept among rural producers.

Dhriiti is working to set up small manufacturing units of disposable plates and bowls made from the sheath of arecanut plants. Each arecanut leaf plate manufacturing unit would provide direct employment to 3 persons and there would be an indirect impact of creating employment for 10 other persons. Hence the enterprise would affect employability in a positive light in the region. At the same time it would lead to production of an eco-friendly product from a resource which is generally a waste in these regions.
 
This activity can generate a business of more than 100 crores and Dhriiti’s target is to make arecanut leaf plate manufacturing a 100 crore industry for rural North East by 2015.
 
It has been a very valuable learning experience for Dhriiti over the last three years. We have realized that implementation of a enterprise development project is just not about creating a value chain but to simplify the process for each and every stakeholder in the value chain and creating a win-win relationship between all the stakeholders. We have successfully created this relationship, but what needs to be done hereafter is to strengthen this relationship both in terms of quantity and quality. We are committed to our vision of creating a 100 crore arecanut leaf plate industry for rural Assam and Meghalaya.