Maharashtra is one of the largest agricultural states in India, and farmers in this region play a very important role in the configuration and maintenance of the Indian economy. However, women in agriculture are affected by issues of recognition, leading to an absence of land rights, lack of entitlements to institutional credit, pensions and other universal privileges.
The chosen method to achieve these objectives is through a Self Help Group (SHG), notable for their success in economic development, social empowerment and poverty alleviation (Khasnabis et al., 2010). The programme’s overall goal is to engage in development activities with the provision of knowledge, skills, motivation, and competencies that are inline with UVS’ border goal of achieving sustainable agriculture.
Aiming to solve the problem, the SHG will be a vehicle to mobilise women to build up some savings in an entrepreneurial fashion. Through mutual support, SHGs can provide members with small loans for business purposes or in times of financial emergency caused by illness, accidents, funerals or otherwise. They can be a tool against indebtedness, and can also prepare women to build up credibility when scouting for microcredit later on.