Impact of trainings on bio-inoculants production on trained SC/ST women SHG members in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu

The study was conducted in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. Five blocks (Gudiyatham, Katpadi, KV Kuppam, Kaniyambadi and Madhanur) in the district were selected based on the population under SC/ST category. Three villages from each block and three women self-help group (SHG) members from each village were selected. Fifteen trainings on bio-inoculants production (Pseudomonas florescence and Trichoderma viride) for each group of 20 SHG members were organized under DST project thus benefiting 300 members. Knowledge test and impact study were conducted involving all the trained members. The impact of the trainings was analyzed on three dimensions viz outcome, output and impact (personal and social). The results revealed that majority of the women gained knowledge on bio-inoculants production technology. They reported that the trainings gave them self-confidence to start bio-inoculant units in their villages. Majority of the respondents expressed that the agro-based trainings were more useful for them and they required loan facilities to start a new enterprise in their village/block.