Informatics Publishing Limited

Bindiya Kunal Soni ¹, Jigna C. Trivedi ²

Affiliations
1 Anand Institute of Management, Anand, Gujarat, IN
2 Shri Jairambhai Patel Institute of Business Management and Computer Applications, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, IN

Abstract

For sustainable growth in agriculture, there is a need to improve productivity and reduce the costs. Farmers' Club programme initiated by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in 1982, is one such initiative. These clubs are grassischolar_mains level informal forums. Such clubs are organised by rural branches of banks with the support and financial assistance of NABARD for the mutual benefit of the banks concerned and rural people. The programme is aimed at transmitting the latest agriculture techniques to the farmers' field, orienting them to establish better relationship with banks, adoption of latest post-harvest handling technology, value addition and enjoy the benefits of collective bargaining power for procuring inputs and select their produce. In view of the utility of such informal forums of Farmers' Clubs, an initiative is undertaken to study the impact of these clubs on the agriculture performance. The present study aims to analyze the working, growth and development of Farmers' Clubs in Gujarat along with empirically examining the perspective of member and non-member of Farmers' Club programme in Anand district. The study also aims to analyse the awareness and satisfaction level of the respondents towards the Farmers' Club programme.

Keywords

Agriculture, Farmers’ Club, NABARD, Rural Entrepreneurship JEL Classification: N5, D71.

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Bindiya Kunal Soni ¹, P. K. Priyan ²

Affiliations
1 Anand Institute of Management, Gujarat Technological University, Anand, Gujarat, IN
2 G H Patel Post Gradure Institute of Business Management, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, IN

Abstract

This study makes an attempt to explore the funding preferences of young entrepreneurs of Gujarat towards financing their ventures. For this research, ventures in the knowledge based sector have been selected. The findings revealed that in the initial stages of venture development, these entrepreneurs utilized their personal savings and funds from their family and friends. They have all practiced bootstrapping extensively during the early years. There were not many cases of external funding. The awareness of these entrepreneurs towards risk capital such as angel and venture capital funding was found to be less. The study concludes with various suggestions for better penetrations of early stage financing and support mechanism in Gujarat such as strengthening the role of incubation centres, organizing business plan competitions and raising awareness of the entrepreneurs towards risk (equity) capital options.

Keywords

Venture Capital, Angel Investors, Bootstrapping Techniques, Incubation Centres, Entrepreneurs.

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Jigna Trivedi ¹, Bindiya Kunal Soni ²

Affiliations
1 Shri Jairambhai Patel Institute of Business Management and Computer Applications, Gandhinagar, IN
2 Anand Institute of Management, Anand, IN

Abstract

Shortage of water, for domestic as well as industrial use, is the cause of concern across the world. India is also facing the same problem, which is likely to worsen in future, if certain preventive measures are not taken on sustainable basis. Among the various alternative technologies to augment freshwater resources, rainwater harvesting and utilisation; is a decentralised and environmentally sound solution. This research specifically analyses the economic feasibility of developing the rainwater recharging system at the Green City Cooperative Housing Society (GCCHS), Vavol, Gandhinagar. The cost-benefit analysis is also supported by the empirical research on the households residing in this society. Their awareness, readiness and the perceptions for developing such system were also evaluated. Overall, it was found that having rainwater recharging system is economically feasible and socially acceptable to the residents of the society.

Keywords

Capital Budgeting, Financial Feasibility, Rainwater Recharging, Viability, Water.

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Jay Raval ¹, Bindiya Kunal Soni ²

Affiliations
1 Research Scholar, Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad, Assistant Professor, MBIT, Gujarat, IN
2 Professor and (I/c) Director, Anand Institute of Management and Information Science, Shri Ramkrishna Seva Mandal, Opposite Town Hall, Anand, Gujarat, IN

Abstract

As per the Indian constitution, all citizens of India are equal, irrespective of their caste, religion, race, and place of birth. Dalits have been at the bottom of the political, economic, and social ladder. Various governments have tried to improve the condition of Dalits with the help of reservations, but with very limited results. It was widely accepted that Dalits have raised their status in politics, but the same cannot be said about their economic and social status. Dalits are underrepresented when it comes to entrepreneurship or self-employment. When Dalits opt for entrepreneurship, they face problems related to caste and social status, in addition to general problems of entrepreneurship. Discrimination is a major problem faced by Dalits at each stage of business. Dalits face various other problems, like short credit period, shortage of labour, lack of networks, lack of support, stiff competition, and so on. The biggest prospect for Dalits is various government schemes specially designed for them. The present study aims to review the problems and prospects of Dalit entrepreneurs and ways to improve Dalit entrepreneurship in India

Keywords

Dalit Entrepreneurship, Problems, Prospects, Literature Review

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