Value chain studies and business plans development for potential clusters and commodities

Care, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab

Project Under Domains: Nature-based Solutions, Skills and rural enterprises; Sub Domains: Sustainable production systems, Inclusive market systems

Care-India is implementing the HDFC funded CSR programme called “Building Climate Smart Integrated Agriculture for Smallholder Farmers”in the two blocks of Damoh district of Madhya Pradesh namely: Batiyagarah and Pathariya, and Three blocks in Bathinda district of Punjab namely: Bathinda, Phul and Maur. The project aims to increase the resilience of smallholder farmers by building climate-smart integrated agriculture through the establishment of social capital, adoption of improved agri-allied practices, promotion of collectives in an entrepreneurial way and enabling the ecosystem resulting in increased income for smallholder farmers.

In this context, a detailed value chain analysis was conducted by Ecociate to identify potential enterprise opportunities and understand the scope and feasibility of the community-based enterprises across agriculture and allied activities.

Objectives

The study objectives were as follows:

  * Map the value chains, identify the key bottlenecks and potential entry points for Producer Enterprises

  * Identify the key value chain actors at different stages with whom the proposed enterprises can develop relationships in the future

  * Identify the most potential business activity in each value chain (some business activities may be common for more than one value chain)

  * Develop bankable business plans for the identified business activities.

Approach and Methodology

The study was conducted by deploying qualitative research methods. The research methodology tools included Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), direct discussions with progressive farmers, In-Depth Interview (IDI) with various value chain players and Key Informant Interviews. The objective of these discussions was to elicit the status quo of the selected key value chains in the landscape.

Results

The study captured the existing and potential livelihood profile of the landscape and suggest value chains that can be strengthened for the economic betterment of the local communities. Furthermore, the study highlighted the key bottlenecks in the value chains and proposed strategies to overcome them, thus paving the way for increased efficiency and profitability. By mapping the value chains and identifying the key actors at different stages, the study provided valuable insights into potential partnerships and collaborations for the proposed enterprises in the future.

The analysis also identified the most promising business activities within each value chain, taking into consideration the local context and market demand. This information was used to develop bankable business plans that can guide the implementation of these activities and ensure their long-term sustainability.