Khariar is a small town in the district of Nuapada in Orissa. It was my part of the field visit to meet Maa Desaren self-help group who had almost three months back availed the solar energy loan facilities form Milaap. The village where the group lives is around 8 kilometres from the town. The group leader is Dharitiri and she is a matriculate. The group is quite satisfied with the loan. Most of the villagers grow paddy twice a year, thanks to the irrigation facilities which the villagers have due to the river flowing nearby. The village seems to be developing very fast and this active group provides a very positive outlook about the village. Dharitri run a kirana store with the help of her husband. The other members of the group like Damayanti works as a tailor and Banita is involved in milk business. Milk business is one of the most profitable businesses that I have observed in rural parts. If one has a good quality cow or a buffalo, the profession provides a huge dividend. As per Banita she sells 6-8 litres of milk at a price of Rs 25 per litre from the only Jersey cow that she owns. The need is to provide the support system that connect people to the right skill, then to the profession and finally to the market.
Maa Desaren SHG
