Dairying Deeds

Dairying is a popular activity in the district of Alwar. However, rearing practices remain poor, veterinary services are non-existent and market linkage is absent. The local milk traders in the area used to buy milk at very low price, therefore the income level remained low. That's when the women of Khalsa SHG decided to take matters in their hands literally.

Activity

Milk Collection and creation of milk route in Alwar district, Rajasthan

Nature of Intervention

SPECTRA, an NGO works with rural families in the promotion of dairy and animal rearing activities in the district and is working as SHPI partner of NABARD. The members decided to enhance their livelihood through dairy development and the improvements of animal rearing pattern by opening milk collection centre in their area with mutual cooperation and contacted Saras dairy for opening the milk collection booth.

Various training programs were conducted in collaboration with Letz Dream Foundation. The members were given training on scientific rearing of animals, cattle feed, cow-sheds etc. Knowledge was imparted on how to test purity of milk and gauge fat content. Some of the members were also provided with loans for purchase of animal by the same organization apart from bank loan availed through SHGs. Members were also sent for exposure to other collection centers running nearby. Equipment required for collection center were purchased by the group from its own savings.

Milk is procured from other SHG members of the gram panchayat and also from non SHG members based on the fat content at a remunerative rate and payment is made on weekly basis. The group has already taken two tranches of Bank loan of Rs.1.50 lakh and Rs.2.50 lakh repaid fully. Third loan of Rs.5 lakh is under process of sanction. The Center is running in profit.

The Impact

02 members are employed at the center. Total daily milk collection is 350 – 400 liter and 80 – 100 milk producers are associated with the center.

Critical Determinants 

• Identification of appropriate activity
• Procurement and marketing tie-up

Source : Creating Livelihoods, Changing Lives