Thiruvananthapuram: After its success saga in several sectors, Kerala's neighbourhood network 'Kudumbasree' is all set to expand its much popular all-women cafes across the state. The lip-smacking traditional cuisines, served under Kudumbasree's catering service brand 'Cafe Kudumbasree', have a large number of takers.

A top Kudumbasree official said the wide acceptance and increasing popularity of cafe products has persuaded them to open more units.

At present, Kudumbasree's cafe units are active in select cities and towns only, she said.

"We already have a number of canteens and mini catering units under the brand 'Cafe Kudumbasree'. In the wake of immense demand from people, we are now planning to open more such units across the state in the next one year," Kudumbasree Executive Director KB Valsala Kumari said.

She said 'Cafe Kudumbasree' was envisaged as an umbrella under which foodies could find all popular traditional cuisines of the state.

"Trained volunteers will be employed to improve the quality of the units," she said.

The mission has also plans to organise food festivals under the brand, she added.

Kudumbashree is the poverty alleviation programme of the Kerala government, launched in 1998. It is envisaged to wipe out poverty and empower women through community action under the leadership of Local Self Governments.

Kudumbasree has made its presence felt in all major sectors ranging from farming and food processing to the IT business. The programme has 37 lakh members and covers more than 50 per cent of households in Kerala.