Initiative:

Formation of JLGs to promote dairy activities

Beneficiaries:

SHG members in Trichy district, Tamil Nadu

The Challenge:

• Reluctance of banks to extend credit to farmers because of high loan over-dues
• SHG members either did not rear animals or lacked the skills to procure high-yield milch cattle
• High input cost in rearing animals vis-à-vis low milk yield
• Paucity of green fodder

The Solution:

• NABARD assisted Shalom Foundation in forming and creditlinking JLGs
• 32 women SHG members were trained to identify good quality animals and grow different species of fodder crops
• Tied up with the milk collection centre of Hatsan Agro Products

The Impact:

• 2,000 families belonging to 209 women groups, 97 male groups and 197 mixed groups are now credit-linked
• Establishment of a Farmer Producer Company and a milk collection centre, ensuring benefits of aggregation and remunerative prices for farm products