Livelihood and Security

Empowerment of Women through Cooperative Milk Production:

A vast majority of the rural people still depend solely on agriculture and animal husbandry for their survival. Monsoon is undependable. However, animal husbandry seems to be the major source of their income. However, this income is exploited by the middle traders who procure the milk from the people at a throw away price. Hence the project is evolved to add value to the production by the poor women. 

In this context, TSSS enabled the rural women to venture into formation of a milk cooperative. This Pilot project is implemented in just two villages. Following trainings were imparted to the milk producers: 

• Orientation on cooperative principles and practices

• Training on diary Management

• Quality control and Insurance

• Cooperative marketing and Value addition 

Milk Sales Outlets 

Milk remains one of the important sources of nutritious food for all and especially children. It is also known to be a complete food. However, milk merchants exploit the producers as well as the consumers. Adulterated milk is harmful to children. Moreover, the price of the milk is on the increase. 

Linking Rural and Urban Market: 

TSSS promoted milk producers society in 5 villages where SHG members are engaged in producing quality milk. For generating more profit, it enabled them establish linkages with the Urban SHGs which guaranteed procurement and sale of milk. This tie-up resulted in producers getting a reasonable price and the consumers accessing milk at a subsidized rate. There are 8 Milk Sales outlets opened by TSSS in and around Palayamkottai city. 

  No of Sales outlets - 08

  Quantum of milk sold every day - 750 liters per day

Support Services: 

  Provision of Interest Free Loans

  Procurement and Supply of Protein Feed and Cattle feed at whole sale rate

  Insurance at a highly subsidized rate

  Veterinary care through periodical veterinary camps

Group Income Generation Programmes:

The trained and motivated groups that are dynamic have been assisted to venture into starting some income generating enterprises. 

• The groups at Vellanaikottai have jointly established a Garment Production Centre where readymade garments are produced. 

• Likewise, another tailoring centre is at Thevarkulam. 

• The Federation at Kovilpatti has opened a canteen for generating income as well as fulfilling the felt need of the local people. 

• The groups at Alangulam have been engaged in producing UTTA Health Mix. 

Tailoring and Garment production unit: 

Consistent with the objective of promoting women’s initiatives for their effective contribution to sustainable economic growth, TSSS made purposive efforts to enhance their employability by offering vocational skills in tailoring and garment production. Young girls are trained in sewing and garment production. Each batch consisted of 15 girls. As a follow-up, the candidates were given training in readymade garment making. For initial capital for purchase of clothes, machines and other accessories, a revolving capital fund was given to the women in camps. Tie up arrangement made with existing Production Company and it enabled the young girls and women of the camps earn an income of around Rs.2000 to 3000 a month.