Dimensions of Self Help Group Dynamics of Horticulture Farmers

The concept of 'Self Help Group' (SHG) exists prior to any intervention. The members are linked by a common bond like caste, sub-caste, blood, community, place of origin-or activity in these 'natural groups' or 'affinity groups'. The 'SHGs' provide the benefits of economies in certain areas of production process by undertaking common action programmes like cost effective credit delivery system, generating a forum for collective learning with rural people, promoting democratic culture, fostering an entrepreneurial culture, providing a firm base for dialogue and co-operation in programmes with other institutions, possessing credibility arid power to ensure participation and helping to assess the individual member's managment capacity (Femandez, 1995)