Value chain analysis of commercial goat rearing: a study of selected self-help groups in Alagappa Nagar panchayat of Thrissur

Abstract

In Kerala goat rearing is considered to be an additional income and in rural areas goat rearing is on of the main activities of women, and it contributes to the women empowerment, in this study studied about the socio economic benefits, value chain of commercial goat rearing done by the efficient selected groups of SHGs in Alagappa nagar panchayat of thrissur district. These groups hay made goat rearing as a profitable venture, even they created wealth from waste. The mapping the value chain of goat rearing in with special reference to SHGs of Alagappa nagai panchayat. The survey conducted among the actors in the value chain using separate structured questionnaire, discussion with key informants in the study area, focus group discussion etc. formed the basis for value chain mapping. The core processes in the value chain of goat rearing could be identified was input provision, production, marketing and consumption. The goat rearing by SHG members of Alagappa nagar panchayath is a profitable venture because there is a shift of household income of the respondents. The household income of the SHG members has been increased after starting the goat rearing. From the study we identified that socio economic status of the SHG members has increased considerably, most of the respondents argued that after starting the goat rearing they are able to provide better education for their children and all of them started savings, their annual income has changed. SHG members are getting an adequate return on their investment. Small farmers sell an average of 8 goats per year and large farmers sell an average of 20 goats per year. Average goats sold by sample population is 14 goats per year Return of small farmers (60683-28470)= Rs.32213 Return of large farmers (152940-72375)=Rs.80565