Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 29: A significant step towards strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting community-based enterprises was marked with the inauguration of two key initiatives under Producer Groups.
Dr. Apurva Sharma, Director RD, Panchayat, on 28th March, inaugurated the Egg Collection Center established by the Dweep Poultry Producer Group (PG) at Gram Panchayat Tushnabad and the Plant Nursery Center established by the Bhoomi Producer Group at G.P. Namuna Ghar. The Block Development Officer (BDO) Ferrargunj, Pradhan of G.P. Tushnabad, State Programme Manager (NRLM), Block staff, and members of Self-Help Groups were present on the occasion.
Producer Groups (PGs) are grassroots-level collectives of primary producers—the Self-Help Group members undertake common group activity in a structured and collaborative manner. These groups function by pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and collectively managing production, processing, and marketing activities. PGs play a crucial role in strengthening value chains, reducing costs, enhancing access to credit and markets, and fostering entrepreneurship among rural communities, especially SHG members.
Through the Egg Collection Center, members of the Producer Group will have a centric approach for aggregation, grading, storage, and marketing of eggs produced by local poultry farmers. The Plant Nursery Center aims to promote and support livelihoods through the cultivation and sale of saplings, including fruit-bearing plants, spices, flowers, and ornamental varieties. By reducing post-production losses and ensuring better price realization, both the center is expected to significantly enhance income opportunities for rural SHGs. It will also improve supply chain efficiency and strengthen the local poultry value chain.
The Director (RD), PRIs appreciated the efforts of PG members and reiterated to supporting such grassroots initiatives that contribute to inclusive and sustainable development of the SHGs in the Islands.
