Palmyrah is known as the “the tree of life” in Jaffna because of its immense usefulness to the life of the people. The Palmyrah contributes in numerous ways to food and nutrition, shelter and various income generating activities.

CORD has taken initiative to promote traditional palmyrah craft among the Self-Help Group women in Chavakachcheri.  Women were trained in producing a variety of palmyrah leaf based utility items such as mats, hats, boxes, bags, baskets and fans. New production techniques and designs were introduced to these women by competent trainers during workshops organized by CORD.  This has helped them to start their own self employment ventures.

In addition, CORD arranged special training to twenty one women on extracting pulp from the fruit which is considered a delicacy and can be used to prepare a number of confectionary products. Training sessions were conducted by official trainers from the Palmyrah Development Board, the authority responsible for the development of the industry.  Trained women could extract about 6 liters of pulp and earn around Rs. 400 per day during the fruiting season.