Women leaders and entrepreneurs from Washi Block of Dharashiv District have come together to build a flourishing egg value chain in rural Maharashtra. Centered in Dalvewadi village, the business is currently being run by community led collective cluster business.
With a shifting focus on locally sourced products since the Covid-19 pandemic, the demand for local eggs skyrocketed in Dharashiv District. Since 2022, the cluster groups of women raising poultry in 10 villages of Washi Block and linked them with the Egg Center based in Dalwevadi village. These women receive a competitive and fair rate by selling their eggs to the market. SSP provides regular training on poultry rearing, health and nutrition of chickens and linkages to government schemes and subsidies. The Prema Gopalan Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), facilitated by SSP has developed its own marketing network, selling the eggs to wholesalers, retailers, private individuals and to hostels, colleges and restaurants. Currently the collective cluster business is linked to 1000 egg producers and sells over 20,0000 eggs every month, earning a profit of approximately Rs.15,000 per month. They are currently in the process of further scaling up the process, with linkages to more women farmers in the area.
Development of this egg value chain is benefiting women farmers, who are diversifying their livelihoods sources and gaining financial independence by engaging in an agri-allied business that requires a low investment of time and effort. Further, this initiative serves as a model for community empowerment, illustrating the potential for collective action in rural development. The active involvement of women in the entire value chain, from production to sales, demonstrates the transformative impact of such initiatives on gender equality and inclusive economic growth.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
March 05, 2024