It is a semi-rich village in Rajanagaram mandal which became famous for making broomsticks, an activity that turned into a cottage industry, providing livelihood to over 1,000 families.
Parents in the village don’t worry about their daughters’ marriage. “Girls after attaining marriageable age have wannabe grooms queuing up because it takes care of their employment, making brooms here,” says Chintapalli Arjunudu.
According to Ch. Sahadevudu, the raw material to make broomsticks comes in gunny bags from Assam and Maredumilli in Rampachodavaram Agency area in the district. “A 50-kg-bag of dry grass used in the broom costs Rs. 2,000. After wastage, we get only 40 kg,” he says, explaining that soft grass is cleaned up before it is assembled into a broom.
A handle is made for a comfortable grip and buyers have a wide range of varieties to choose from.
Most villagers secure additional raw material like plastic pipes, coconut sticks and wire from cities such as Vijayawada.
Every household generates between 250 and 400 brooms every day which is then weighed, says Arjunudu. “Each bag of grass is used to make 150 to 200 brooms of four different varieties and the price ranges from Rs. 30 to Rs. 60.” Citing financial constraints, Mr. Arjunudu says banks should come forward to give loans and the government must look into the issue.