Scoping Study of Agricultural Value Chains in Udaipur

Context:Traidcraft, a UK-based Fairtrade organisation, as part of building a consortium inIndia, proposed to work with Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation’s Indian counterpart,Intercooperation Social Development India (ICSD). Traidcraft’s India countryStrategy (2012-20) attaches a strong focus on livelihoods diversification which ishelpful to small/marginal farmers to reduce their risks and shocks caused byweather/environment or the markets. It was in this context that Traidcraftapproached ICSD to identify a value chain in which both organisations can worktogether to favorably impact the lives of poor farmers, especially women. Thescoping study of agricultural value chains was conducted in Udaipur.

Objective of the study:The purpose of this scoping study was to map the available agro commoditiessuch as spices and food grains along with non timber forest products so that asustainable value chain can be developed under the ‘market for poor (M4P)’approach. Apart from identifying a supply chain, this exercise was also expectedto lead to developing at least one project jointly through a project developmentworkshop.

Interventions:ICSD did the scoping study while including Traidcraft’s feedback and inputs atvarious stages of the study. A mixture of quantitative and qualitative methodswas used to obtain information on agricultural value chains in the area. Primaryresearch included key informant interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGD).A literature survey was undertaken to link the field visit findings in a wider context.Key themes included in the field study were livestock, agriculture and horticulturecrops. Women participation was ensured wherever possible. Criteria used forselecting blocks included presence of high tribal population, presence of SelfHelp Groups (SHGs) and NGOs, high involvement of farmers in production ofcommercial crops, higher involvement of women in agriculture and farmers havingproblems in the production and marketing. Eight villages were selected with thehelp of a local NGO where farmer groups were organised which had marketablesurplus of agricultural products. Based on the study, ginger crop was consideredfor value chain up-gradation. However, ghee making, goat keeping and pigeonpea production were also recommended as potential value chains.

Achievements:The scoping study of “Agriculture Value Chains in Udaipur” was prepared andboth partners conducted a project development workshop to design a project basedon the findings of the scoping study.

For more details contact info@intercooperation.org.in