Kudumbashree is set to launch a new initiative to manufacture agarbattis (incense sticks) using flowers, tapping into the widespread floral cultivation across Kerala, especially in the run-up to the Onam season. The project aims to convert surplus flower stocks into value-added products, offering an additional income stream for flower farmers. The initiative will be rolled out with technical support and training from the Kerala Agricultural University. It comes as a much-needed relief to farmers who often face losses due to leftover flower stock after festive sales peak during Onam. Last year, Kudumbashree had successfully experimented with making natural fabric dyes from leftover chrysanthemums (jamanthi) and marigolds (chendumalli) post-Onam. The production of agarbattis is the next step in this line of value-added products. In the initial phase, flowers cultivated by Kudumbashree workers themselves will be used for agarbatti production. In later stages, the project plans to expand by collecting discarded flowers from temples across the region. The pilot phase of the initiative will be launched in the Thrissur district.Kudumbashree officials confirmed that training for workers in 16 blocks of the district is set to begin next week.