Deepam SHG at Thalavan Muruppel in Naranganam Panchayat, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala was formed in March 2005 under the project ''Animation for Dalit landless agricultural labourers'' funded by CARITAS INDIA. There are 18 members in the Sangham. The total savings of the Sangham is Rs. 58,500. The members are Dalit landless agricultural labourers.
The target groups inherit traditional agricultural occupations, which are less remunerative. They are heavily depending upon depleting natural resources. They were landed and today have become landless, alienating their land due to the exploitation of landowners. They cultivate crops like tapioca, banana, paddy, betel vine and vegetables on leased lands for livelihood purpose. Low income and exploitative wages is another economic deprivation affecting the landless agricultural labourers.
The group was linked with the local Krishi Bhavan, State Bank of Travancore, Naranganam and Naranganam Panchayat. They were given awareness on various schemes of Krishi Bhavan and Local Panchayat. With the effective cooperation and help for mobilizing resources from Krishi Bhavan, Local Panchayat and SBT, Naraganam Branch they could take one hectare of land on lease for paddy cultivation. Their hard work and sweat put in the paddy field finally fetched them a successful harvest of paddy in March 2007.
The group strengthening activities like enhancing the savings, linkage with Krishi Bhavan, PRIs and Banks in the second project year motivated them to take up land on lease. They could take advantage of the schemes for lease land cultivation in the Krishi Bhavan. Through group efforts these farmers have gained confidence in productive activities by procuring seeds, fertilizers and doing post harvest activities themselves. Their success turned out to be motivating factor for the neighbouring Self Help Groups.
The organised structure, group''s willingness to take risks for better economic returns and the desire and ambition to achieve self reliance through absorption of technology have helped them towards self reliance. The programme has contributed to increased individual and collective capacity among the landless agricultural labourers to strive for better livelihood.