1Department of Economics and Sociology, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 141004, Punjab, India
2Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Punjab Agricultural University), Budh Singh Wala, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
Online published on 13 December, 2019.
Rural development can be richer and more meaningful only through the participation of both men and women. Punjab has the lowest female work participation rate (13.9%). For the present study, women trainees who trained at the KVK at Moga, Punjab and started their individual business or as SHGs were contacted regarding impact analysis. It was found that the adoption of technologies transferred by the KVK through vocational trainings during 2011–12 to 2015–16 improved women's awareness about health and nutrition (86%), production and incomes (84%), leadership and communication skills (82%) and the living standard (80%). The increase in value of Gini coefficient from 0.11 to 0.26 for monthly family income before and after joining an enterprise respectively was observed indicating high income inequality between entrepreneurs/SHG members. The maximum benefit in terms of income to members was observed for the respondents who started garment construction and enrichment SHG as their income multiplies five times. The major motivation of joining an enterprise was the willingness to raise the family income (36%).
