Vol. 12, Special Issue 7 (2023)

Author(s):
Tanuja Ekka, MR Chandrakar and Ravi Shrey

Abstract:
This study was conducted to assess the business performance of five self-help groups (SHGs) in Surguja district, Chhattisgarh, namely Swastik SHG, Subhash SHG, Radhe Krishna SHG, Roshni SHG, and Madni SHG. A total of 55 respondents participated in the study, and the literacy rate among them was found to be 94.54 percent. The majority of respondents belonged to the age group of 31 to 40 years and were married (80 percent).The study examined the Input-Output ratio for various products produced by each SHG. For Swastik SHG, the Input-Output ratios were as follows: Mushroom Pickle - 1.98, Potato Chips - 2.21, Mushroom - 1.46, and Candle - 1.24. Subhash SHG had Input-Output ratios for products like Mango Pickle - 1.47, Rakhiya badi - 1.61, and Daal papad - 1.18. Radhe Krishna SHG's Input-Output ratio for Herbal Gulaal was 1.72. Roshni SHG's ratios for Phenyl, Floor Cleaner, and Handwash were 1.69, 1.85, and 1.42, respectively. Madni SHG's ratios for Coriander Powder, Chilli Powder, and Turmeric Powder were 1.23, 1.43, and 1.23, respectively. Among the selected SHGs, Roshni SHG exhibited better business performance. The overall net profits of the SHGs were as follows: Swastik SHG - Rs 36,370.2 per year, Subhash SHG - Rs 35,289 per year, Radhe Krishna SHG - Rs 50,400 per year, Roshni SHG - Rs 1, 65, 500 per year, and Madni SHG - Rs 39,250 per year. The study identified several major constraints faced by the selected women SHGs. These included fluctuations in the price of raw materials in the market, shortage of manpower for selling the products, fluctuations in the demand for their products, and a lack of advertisement. To address these constraints and enhance the SHGs' business performance, it is recommended to advertise their products on social media platforms and FM radio. Additionally, increasing the SHGs' loan amount and establishing links with local supermarkets can boost their operations. Organizing training programs to develop entrepreneurial capabilities and improving the quality of packaging and grading are also advised.