The National Green Skill Development Program (GSDP) for Water Hyacinth Value-Added Products Entrepreneurs (NSQF Level 4 – Certificate Course) is currently being conducted at Kalanjiyam, Sri Aurobindo Society, Bahour, as part of a national initiative to promote green skills, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental conservation. The program is organized by the Puducherry EIACP Hub under the Puducherry Pollution Control Committee, in collaboration with Svarnim Puducherry and Sri Aurobindo Society, with technical support from the Birbhum Institute of Rural Development Foundation.The training program, which runs from 19 January to 11 March 2026, aims to build practical skills among participants by demonstrating how water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic plant that often disrupts freshwater ecosystems, can be transformed into useful and marketable products. By focusing on value addition and sustainable resource utilization, the program encourages participants to view environmental challenges as opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and community development.The course has brought together women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs), youth, and aspiring green entrepreneurs, providing them with hands-on exposure to a range of sustainable practices and livelihood-oriented skills. Through interactive sessions, demonstrations, and practical training, participants are learning how to convert locally available natural resources into eco-friendly products while also understanding the broader environmental impact of such initiatives.Several modules are currently being conducted as part of the training program. These include water hyacinth collection, processing, and drying, which introduces participants to the safe and effective methods of harvesting and preparing the plant for further use. Another key component is handicrafts and weaving, where trainees learn how to create baskets, mats, and other handcrafted items from dried water hyacinth fibers. The program also includes pulp and paper making, demonstrating how the plant can be processed into pulp and used to produce handmade paper and paper-based products.In addition to craft-based skills, the training also explores innovative livelihood opportunities such as mushroom cultivation using water hyacinth-based substrates, biochar and briquette production, and demonstrations of biogas systems. These modules help participants understand how agricultural and organic waste can be converted into valuable resources, contributing to sustainable energy solutions and waste reduction.Beyond production skills, the program also emphasizes tools handling, finishing techniques, and basic entrepreneurship training. Participants are introduced to the fundamentals of starting and managing small enterprises, including product development, quality finishing, and market readiness. Sessions on market exposure help trainees understand potential markets for eco-friendly products and how sustainable goods can be positioned within growing green economies.The program aligns with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) Level 4, and participants who successfully complete the course will receive a National GSDP certification, recognizing their technical and entrepreneurial competencies in the field of green enterprise development.At its core, the initiative focuses on transforming an invasive aquatic weed into a source of sustainable livelihoods and environmental solutions. By converting water hyacinth into useful products and livelihood opportunities, the program promotes the principles of the circular economy, where waste materials are reused and repurposed rather than discarded.Through this ongoing training program, participants are not only gaining valuable technical skills but also developing a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship, resource conservation, and community-based sustainability. The initiative represents an important step toward creating green jobs, empowering local communities, and promoting environmentally responsible entrepreneurship in the region.