From Cattle to Capital: A Review on SHGs, Dairy Farming, and Gender Empowerment in Rural India

Year : 2026 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 02 | Page : 1 13
By

Amit Verma,

  1. Student, Department of Dairy Science and Food Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as a platform for encouraging women to start their own ventures in rural India, particularly through dairy-based enterprises. This review explores the role of SHGs in enhancing financial support, skill development, market access, and social empowerment among rural women. By utilizing savings and providing microcredit, SHGs enable women to establish and expand dairy ventures, contributing to household income and organized milk production. The integration of institutional support, skill development programs, and ICT-enabled systems further strengthens operational efficiency and the supply chain. SHG membership not only improves financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills but also encourages self-reliance and decision-making power within households and communities. Women entrepreneurs benefit from shared knowledge and collective bargaining that enhance self-resilience and competitiveness. Despite persistent challenges such as limited facilities, cultural constraints, and limited access to organized markets, SHGs remain crucial in addressing systemic gaps. This review endorses gender-responsive rural development policies that align with national schemes like DAY-NRLM, RGM, and AHIDF. Joint efforts among governments, financial institutions, and civil society are essential to expand SHG-led models and promote inclusive growth. Ultimately, SHGs serve as catalysts for socioeconomic change, empowering women to become role models for an equal approach society and sustainable rural economy.

Keywords: Self-help groups (SHGs), women entrepreneurship, dairy-based enterprises, socioeconomic empowerment, inclusive rural development

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews : Journal of Dairy Science and Technology ]

How to cite this article: Amit Verma. From Cattle to Capital: A Review on SHGs, Dairy Farming, and Gender Empowerment in Rural India. Research and Reviews : Journal of Dairy Science and Technology. 2026; 15(02):1-13.
How to cite this URL: Amit Verma. From Cattle to Capital: A Review on SHGs, Dairy Farming, and Gender Empowerment in Rural India. Research and Reviews : Journal of Dairy Science and Technology. 2026; 15(02):1-13. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjodst/article=2026/view=248918

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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 15
Issue 02
Received 18/06/2026
Accepted 29/06/2026
Published 30/06/2026
Publication Time 12 Days

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