APRLP : Introduction

Identification of Livelihood Interventions:

experiences in Salonepalli Village, Hunwada Mandal

The situational analysis was completed in Salonepalli of Hunwada Mandal under the jurisdiction of MDT-I. After studying the situational analysis, livelihood interventions are to be initiated in this village.

From the situational analysis report, the following was found:

Total women 850

No. of women in groups 235

No. of groups (18 + 5) 23

Total funds available in groups Rs. 2,00,000/-

The following is based on focused group discussions with women groups of Mudiraja community. It was observed that majority of women are hard working and are regular in paying for their subscriptions and repaying their loans. Padmavathi group, consisting 15 members, 12 members are active in vegetable production and they are selling the vegetables in the Rythu Bazaar, Mahabubnagar. 2 members have buffaloes and one member has a goat as well as to 0.5 - 1.5 acres of land in which they are growing vegetables. It was observed that 5 members of this group do not having identity cards of Rythu Bazaar. They travel everyday with their produce to the Rythu Bazaar by private vehicles but find it very difficult. All members are using their loans for productive purposes such as growing vegetable seed, purchasing buffaloes, goats etc.

Gangavathi Group:

Leader: Erramma

Secretary: Ananda

This group comprises 15 members. 10 members are active in agriculture and horticulture and are selling their produce in Mahabubnagar. 2 members are selling their vegetables at Rythu Bazaar. One member used her loan to open a Kirana shop as well as for seasonal agriculture. Some members used their loan to purchase seeds and fertilizers.

Chakravathy Group:

Leader: G.Chandramma

Secretary: Nagamma

This group comprises 13 members. 2 members used their revolving fund for the purchase of sewing machines. The remaining members used their loan for investment in agriculture, horticulture and buying goats.

Telugutalli Group:

Leader: Chandramma

Secretary: Venkatamma

This group comprises 13 members. 2 members have 2 acres of land on which they only grow vegetables and sell their produce at Rythu Bazaar. 2 members used their loan for consumption purposes. Remaining members used their loan for income generating activities such as dairy, leaf plate making, backyard poultry.

Varalakshmi Group:

Leader: Venkatamma

Secretary: Buchamma

This group comprises 15 members. 8 members are involved in vegetable cultivation. 3 members are involved in dairy, and the remaining members used their loan for consumption purposes.

Observations:

Ø All the women from different groups are hard working which is a major strength.

Ø The majority of women used their loan for income generating activities.

Ø Maintenance of records is very good.

Ø The women were observed to have good entrepreneurial qualities.

Ø Women are motivated to grow different varieties of vegetables because of Rythu Bazaar. They found alternative sales outlets when they had greater vegetable production.

Future strategy for livelihood interventions :

Ø Better transport facilities are to be made available for easy transportation of produce.

Ø Identity cards of Rythu Bazaar (RB) are to be provided to the members who are not consulting with RB Officials.

Ø Subsidized seed is available in some varieties, it should be encouraged to extend to subsidy seed of all other varieties through Rythu Bazaar and Horticulture Department.

Ø Alternative livelihood activities during off reason can be initiated by encouraging, raring of goats, dairy and back yard poultry.

Ø Vermicompost can be encouraged as an alternative to chemical fertilizers, which in turn reduces their investment.

Information provided by: G. Bharathi, DCBC-Mahabubnagar