Agricultural Marketing and Women Self-Help Groups: Banking Interventions in Rural Guntur District

Authors: Bandi Sudhakar Reddy

Country: India

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Abstract: This study examines the role of banking interventions in empowering women self-help groups (SHGs) engaged in agricultural marketing in rural Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh. Using data from 2010-2015, the research analyzes 350 SHGs across 14 mandals, focusing on credit accessibility, market linkages, and income generation. The study employs both quantitative and qualitative methods, including surveys and focus group discussions. Findings reveal that SHGs with formal banking linkages demonstrated 72% higher income levels compared to non-linked groups. Bank credit utilization for agricultural marketing activities increased from Rs. 2.3 crores in 2010 to Rs. 8.7 crores in 2015. The study identifies key success factors, including financial literacy training, direct market access, and value addition activities. Major challenges include inadequate storage facilities, price fluctuations, and limited technical knowledge. The research concludes that structured banking interventions significantly enhance women's economic empowerment through agricultural marketing, recommending expanded credit facilities, market infrastructure development, and capacity building programs for sustainable rural development.

Keywords: Women empowerment, Self-help groups, Agricultural marketing, Banking interventions, Rural development, Guntur District, Microfinance, Market linkages

Paper Id: 232728

Published On: 2016-01-02

Published In: Volume 4, Issue 1, January-February 2016

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