This graduation project at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, in collaboration with Farlense, Roots Foundation, and FDI, explored material innovation using parali (paddy stubble) in rural Haryana. Addressing stubble burning, it aimed to create sustainable rural livelihood opportunities for SHG women. As the sole student designer, I engaged in field research, community interaction, material experimentation, system design, and product development. The project produced parali based items like lamps, fairy lights, braided pen stands, keychains, and handmade paper. Tools such as braiding jigs and early stage loom setups ensured production consistency. SHG women received hands-on training in sorting, braiding, twining, and machine stitching. A rural production hub, the Samriddhi Centre, was inaugurated with government and international stakeholders. The initiative also explored branding, packaging, and scaling pathways. This experience highlighted the designer’s role in fostering sustainability and women empowerment, showing how agro-waste can be transformed into valuable materials while supporting ecological resilience and socio-economic development.