Around Mahboobalayam outside Madurai, hundreds of SHG members are skilled in rolling agarbatthis (incense sticks).

For example, nine members of the Podideepan Manram gather every day on the terrace of one of the group member’s houses. A representative of a local manufacturer of finished (perfumed) batthis delivers the raw material - the sticks and the incense powder - to the group once a week. The workers roll the raw batthis for a wage of Rs.10 per kg. In an 8-hour day each worker is able to roll as much as 4 kgs. The agent collects the finished goods at their doorstep, after checking the batthis for size, uniformity and steady burning time. Since this is a mature working group with over six years of experience there are almost no rejections.

The weekly payment and the next consignment of raw material are also delivered at the time of collection: the smooth cycle continues.


Note: Figures quoted are approximations and liable to change

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