Name of the Beneficiary
Shobha Mahadev Shingade
Name of the Enterprise Floated
Muktai Agarbatti
Present Turnover
Rs. 80,000
Employment Generated
2
Inital Investments
- Rs. 10,000
Funds Raised
- Rs. 30,000 From Govt. Dept.
Shobha Shingade, a physically challenged woman from Shelgaon, Maharashtra, faced immense hardship when her small confectionery shop, her only source of income, closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Supporting eight family members on a meagre monthly income of ₹3,000-₹5,000 became incredibly challenging.
Despite market knowledge, Shobha lacked direction until the EDII visited her village. A training programme in incense stick and candle making offered a lifeline. Shobha thrived, launching her business, ‘Muktai Agarbatti’, with EDII’s support in registration, packaging, and sourcing. Using her ₹1,500 monthly disability allowance and a ₹30,000 revolving fund from the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM), she purchased raw materials for her incense stick production.
Currently, Shobha produce 400 to 500 incense sticks in five different fragrance and 80-90 candle daily. She sells her products at weekly markets, temples, and at exhibitions. Her daily sales of Rs. 600 – Rs. 700 generate a Rs. 200 – Rs. 250 profit.
Shobha’s confidence has grown significantly. Recently MSRLM state team visited her business and promised Rs. 3 lakh loan to her SHG. This loan will enable her to purchase automated machinery to increase production and profit. Today, Shobha’s family’s financial situation is steadily improving, a testament to her resilience and the power of opportunity.