Kaveri Calling Nursery in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu has changed the lives of hundreds of rural women. The nursery is Asia’s largest single-site nursery run by women, with an annual production capacity of 8.5 million plants. It is giving women not only employment but also respect and a new identity.
Kaveri Calling Nursery: Selvi, a resident of Chinna Kattuchalai, is a 42-year-old woman whose life took an unexpected turn from sewing at home to becoming a vital part of Asia’s largest eco-restoration project. After her husband’s attack, due to which she had to undergo eye surgery, doctors advised her not to sit at a sewing machine for at least a year. With her husband struggling with alcoholism and unable to contribute financially, Selvi came to Isha Kaveri Calling Nursery in Cuddalore in search of work with the determination to support her family. Some co-workers were initially skeptical of his ability to do his job, but a kind supervisor recognized his dedication and skill, especially in tasks such as counting. Today, Selvi is fully engaged in pulling weeds and taking care of the young plants, and insists on doing her best, despite often offering a helping hand to others.
Life changed from Kaveri Calling Nursery
His courage has changed the fortunes of his family. With this respectable employment she has been able to send her daughter to college. Selvi considers the nursery supervisor and friends as her protectors and wholeheartedly thanks Sadhguru and Isha for changing her life. Her dedication is so deep that she feels that in her next life too she will happily take care of the nursery in any form.
A Community of Women: Nurturing Trees and Life
Selvi’s story reflects the journey of over 200 rural women who have transformed from housekeepers and daily wage laborers to skilled eco-entrepreneurs at Cauvery Calling Cuddalore Nursery. Spread over 30 acres in Tamil Nadu, this nursery produces 85 lakh (8.5 million) saplings every year, making it perhaps Asia’s largest single-site nursery run entirely by women. Among these women is Vennila of Chinna Kattu Salai, who faced humiliation due to lack of farming skills after coming from the city, but found hope and strength in the nursery. For five years, he handled the important “Motherbed” section, where the seeds of 54 varieties of timber, flowering and fruit-bearing trees like teak, sandalwood and red sandalwood are nurtured with as much reverence as temple worship. Vanilla’s dedication helped her support her family and educate her three children. She proudly shares her mission to plant 242 crore trees to re-green the Cauvery Basin, inspired by Sadhguru’s vision. Similarly, Sowmya of Periya Kattuchalai considers her nursery work as a blessing that has improved her family’s life, providing them with a regular income and providing educational opportunities for her children. These women work independently, and feel happy and proud of their contribution to restoring the river and the environment.
The big picture: Reviving Cauvery and generating employment
Cauvery Calling Cuddalore Nursery is an important part of a larger environmental and social initiative which aims to plant 242 crore (2.42 billion) trees in the Cauvery river basin. The nursery produces more than 54 species of saplings, including 21 varieties of valuable hardwood trees such as mahogany, teak, rosewood and red sandalwood. These trees not only restore biodiversity, but also increase the income of farmers when they are harvested. Since its inception, more than 12.8 crore (128 million) saplings have been planted under this initiative on 34,000 acres of land. The nursery supplies saplings to more than 25,000 farmers every year, promoting tree-based farming that improves soil, conserves water and increases farm yields. The result is that farmers who adopted this method 5-10 years ago have seen their income increase by 300% to 800%. This nursery is also a symbol of women empowerment. It is not just a workplace, but a community where women are given intensive training in nursery management methods, Japanese 5S system, and are also introduced to yoga for physical and mental well-being. These women celebrate together, support each other, and are deeply connected to the cause of saving Mother Kaveri.
Seeds of change and hope
Selvi and her fellow women at Kaveri Calling Nursery epitomize a green revolution based on resilience, hope and shared purpose. Their work is a testament to how nurturing plants is like nurturing lives, families, and futures. When they are sowing seeds in the soil, they are also sowing the seeds of a dream of environmental restoration and economic development for future generations. Every plant grown here is a breath of life not only for the Kaveri river basin but also for the 8.4 crore people whose livelihood depends on it. Led by a strong team of women like Selvi, the mission to plant 242 crore trees is fast moving towards success, reviving rivers, rejuvenating soils and empowering rural communities.