Women Empowerment through Food Processing - a Case Study

Abstract

A sample of 25 women respondents involved in food processing activities was selected proportionately to study the socio-economic profile before and after the start of an enterprise. The study revealed that 64 per cent of the women food processors had improved their standard of living followed by better saving (60%) and knowledge and attitude (52%).Some of these women trainees have emerged as successful entrepreneurs in food processing and their success stories are further reported in the study. The key issues for development of entrepreneurship in food processing were also identified through a structured schedule by personal interview with the respondents. Further, the identified issues were analysed and their mitigation strategies were also discussed. Mutually beneficial relationship between a processor and producer can solve the problem of poor quality raw material. Cost of production can be reduced by mechanization and economic size of production say the authors.