The core concept used by KHDP for promoting the development of farmers is the formation of a "self help group" (SHG)
- Voluntary group of 15-20 commercial fruit and vegetable cultivators
- Run according to a set of mutually agreed norms.
- Membership only to full time farmers, cultivating vegetables at least 50 cents(2000 sq. m) for 2 seasons or 25 cents(1000sq. m) for 3 seasons or 300 plants of banana
- Three master farmers (production, credit and marketing) are nominated by the group to take leadership roles to guide the other farmers
SHG membership provides multiple benefits:
- Opportunities for increased social interaction
- Increased bargaining power
- Quality input procurement
- Improved agricultural practices
- Improved marketing and credit facilities
- Problem solving ability etc.
For participating farmers, SHGs are the local institutional units for their capacity building in areas of horticulture, production, marketing ,credit and also for overall developments.
Master Farmers
Each SHG unanimously nominates three Master Farmers, one each for Production, Marketing and Credit. They will be trained by KHDP with good leadership skills.
Master farmers are local farmers, easily accessible to SHG members, providing timely and location specific advice, normally replaced once in every two years.
|
Master Farmer (Production): |
Providing technical information and training to farmers on production related issues. |
|
Master farmer (Credit): |
Helps the group members to make a credit plan and links them with the banks,promotes proper utilization of loan and its timely repayment. |
| Master Farmer (Marketing): | Helps farmers to sell their produce as a group and represents SHG in the field centre. |