Micro Enterprise Development Programme (MEDP)

Completed Project

Empowering Rural Women Through Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Development

Economic empowerment plays a vital role in strengthening rural communities and improving quality of life. To support women in building sustainable livelihoods and becoming financially independent, PAHAL, with the support of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), successfully implemented 22 Micro Enterprise Development Programmes (MEDPs) across the districts of Jalandhar and Kapurthala.

The programme was designed to strengthen Self Help Groups (SHGs) by equipping rural women with practical vocational skills, entrepreneurial knowledge and business development capabilities. Through a combination of technical training, enterprise development support and motivational guidance, participants were encouraged to transform their skills into sustainable income-generating opportunities.

A total of 660 women participated in the programme, receiving training in the production of edible household products, non-edible household products and handicrafts. Participants also attended expert-led sessions on entrepreneurship, marketing, production, processing, financial management and business development.

The programme enabled women to develop confidence, strengthen leadership abilities and actively participate in economic and community life.

Impact at a Glance

22 Micro Enterprise Development Programmes Conducted

660 Rural Women Trained

2 Districts Covered
(Jalandhar and Kapurthala)

Nearly 50 Women Established Enterprises or Secured Employment Opportunities

Programme Areas

Training was delivered across multiple livelihood sectors, enabling participants to explore business opportunities suited to local market demands.

Edible Household Products

Participants learned food processing techniques and small-scale enterprise development, helping them explore opportunities in food production and catering services.

Non-Edible Household Products

Women received training in the manufacture of products such as detergent powder, hand wash and dish wash solutions, enabling them to establish home-based production units and community enterprises.

Handicrafts and Value-Added Products

The programme supported skill development in handicrafts and value-added products, creating opportunities for women to participate in local markets, exhibitions and fairs.

Entrepreneurship Development

In addition to vocational skills, participants received training in entrepreneurship, financial management, marketing, production planning and business operations, helping them build sustainable enterprises.

Success Stories

Fast Food Zone, Heerpur

Inspired by the food production training received through the programme, members of the Ram Self Help Group established “Fast Food Zone” in Heerpur village. The enterprise offers a range of food products including burgers, noodles, samosas, bread pakoras and tikkis, while also catering for weddings, birthday celebrations, community gatherings and other events. The venture has become a sustainable source of income for the women involved.

Self Help Group Snacks Point, Bulandpur

Four women from the Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Self Help Group joined together to establish the “Self Help Group Snacks Point.” Alongside operating their outlet, they regularly participate in local fairs and exhibitions, helping expand their customer base and market reach.

Household Products Enterprises

Women from villages including Bulandpur, Heerpur, Daroli Khurd, Noorpur and Jallowal successfully established production units for detergent powder, hand wash and dish wash products after completing the training programme. Working collectively through their Self Help Groups, they manufacture and market products in surrounding villages and through exhibitions and local sales networks. Together, these groups have sold more than 500 kilograms of detergent powder and continue to receive regular customer orders.

Creating Sustainable Change

The Micro Enterprise Development Programme demonstrated how skill development, entrepreneurship support and community-based institutions such as Self Help Groups can create lasting social and economic change.

Participants reported increased confidence, improved vocational skills and greater financial independence. Many women emerged as community leaders, while others established enterprises, secured employment opportunities or expanded existing livelihood activities.

By strengthening entrepreneurial skills and supporting women-led enterprises, the programme contributed to improved household incomes, enhanced economic participation and greater opportunities for rural women.

Project Partner

This project was implemented by PAHAL with the support of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).