International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Awale Payal Suresh, Pallavi D Suryawanshi, MV Ajotikar and Keerthana Vijayan

abstract
Self-employment serves as a vital means for achieving steady income and reducing poverty, especially through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). SHGs empower underprivileged individuals by pooling savings, providing access to low-interest loans and enabling microbusiness development. This study was conducted in Baramati and Indapur tehsils of Pune district, purposively selected for their highest number of SHGs. A total of 150 members from 15 SHGs were surveyed using a structured interview schedule to assess their profile and its relationship with entrepreneurial behaviour. Data analysis involved correlation between profile characteristics and entrepreneurial behaviour. Results revealed that the majority of SHG members were middle-aged (62.00 percent), had secondary education (36.00 percent), medium family size (47.33 percent) and had attended training (66.67 percent). Most had medium annual income (56.00 percent) and medium social participation (62.00 percent). Significant findings shown that age was negatively related to entrepreneurial behaviour, while annual income, cosmopoliteness and participation in exhibitions were positively significant. Other variables such as education, family size, training attended, economic orientation, social participation and source of information were non-significant. The study concludes that exposure to markets and active participation in exhibitions play a crucial role in enhancing entrepreneurial behaviour among SHG members.