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Purchasing water buffaloes and cows is a very
popular income-generating activity for SKS members. The reason
is simple. Most villagers have the skills to take care of
milk-producing animals, and the potential income a member can
earn is very high. Consider Narsamma of Chandkhanpally
village. With a first year loan of Rs. 4,000 (US$95), Narsamma
bought a buffalo that produced two liters of milk per day
which is sold to a milk collector who comes directly to her
home. With this minimal effort, Narsamma increased her weekly
income by about Rs. 100 (US$2.50).
In the second year,
Narsamma took a loan of Rs. 6,000 (US$142) and purchased yet
another buffalo, a larger one which produced three and
one-half liters of milk a day. Narsamma's weekly income rose
by an additional Rs. 170 (US$4). Combined with her earnings
from her first buffalo, Narsamma has now become the major
source of income for the family. Accordingly, her status has
improved in the household, and Narsamma notes, "Even my
father-in-law shows me greater respect now."
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