An appraisal of scope for women-led entrepreneurship in dairying

This study assessed the scope of women-led entrepreneurship in dairying and allied enterprises by using a structured interview schedule. The sample size consisted of 162 respondents who were working as field extension functionaries, academicians and agro-based entrepreneurs across the country. The study revealed that the most of respondents (42.59%) belonged to middle age group (36-50 years) followed by young age group (upto 35 years). Half of respondents had working experience of 11-20 years. Commercial dairy fainting (59.88%) under production domain, preparation of value added milk and milk products (59.88%) under processing domain and establishment of milk parlour in urban areas (77.16%) under marketing domain were perceived by respondents as potential areas for entrepreneurship in dairying. The respondents considered low level of education/knowledge (58.64%), lack of family and financial support (56.79%) and household responsibility (30.25%) as hurdles for participation of women in entrepreneurship. They opined that better remunerative prices (30.86%), government support (28.39%) and providing education and need-based training (25.31%) could motivate women to take up entrepreneurship. They suggested that providing education and training (47.53%), awareness through exposure visits and motivation camps (42.59%) and development of market facilities/linkages (24.07%) would be effective strategies to motivate youth and women in agro-based entrepreneurship. Support systems like creating awareness among women about available opportunities (35.18%) and formation of self help groups (29.63%) along with providing subsidies and incentives (45.68%) would strengthen the hands of women for venturing into agri-business. The study concluded that dairying has very large scope (54.94%) for women-led entrepreneurship if provided with proper hand holding support, training and motivation.