Cluster-based coir enterprises for inclusive rural development: impact assessment of women SHGs in Puri, Odisha

The current study assessed the impact of coir-based microenterprises on the enhancement of women’s livelihoods in Puri district, Odisha, with reference to the Jayadurga Mahila Samiti (JDMS) cluster supported by the Scheme for Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI). The main goal of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Puri’s interventions—which included market assistance, technological adoption, financial connection facilitation, and capacity-building training—was to analyse the economic performance, employment creation, and empowerment outcomes. A mixed-method research methodology was used, combining quantitative economic analysis with qualitative evaluations via focus groups, field surveys, and interviews with members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The study was conducted in the JDMS Coir Cluster from 2015 to 2024, and data were gathered until 2024–2025. The KVK, Coir Board, and ORMAS records provided secondary data, while structured schedules and participatory rural assessment techniques were used to gather primary data from 200 respondents from 60 SHGs in JDMS. Changes in production, income, and profitability before and after the intervention were examined using descriptive statistics and comparative analysis. After the interventions, annual turnover rose by around 400% and net profit by roughly 900%, indicating a notable improvement in women’s economic standing and business success. Women’s employment prospects increased by 35% as well, mostly because of better training, mechanization, and marketing connections made possible by institutional backing. The results showed that coir-based women clusters significantly increased rural women’s income levels, skill competence, and capacity for making decisions when they were reinforced by the convergence of developmental agencies under the SFURTI framework and KVK direction. Besides the coir enterprises sometimes face challenges due to intense market competition, price volatility of natural fibre, inadequate rural infrastructure for technology upgradation and poor handling of online marketing portal. According to the study’s findings, this integrated model efficiently contributes to livelihood security, gender equity, and the revitalization of traditional coir industries in coastal Odisha by providing a sustainable and repeatable strategy for supporting women-led rural enterprises