Udyogini and Lac Producers in Jharkhand: Catalyzing Inclusive Value Chains at the Base of the Pyramid

Abstract

Dr Vanita Viswanath, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Udyogini, and her team have been working with lac producers in the Indian state of Jharkhand. The protagonists in the case have been helping the lac producers overcome the productivity and transactional constraints in their value chain. This case captures the key facets of the intervention, the outcomes and the various perspectives the team had taken in evaluating its intervention in the lac value chain. The process of measuring the impact at the base of the pyramid and the impact for the small producers on parameters of institution building, wealth creation and poverty reduction are the focal points of this case. Vital decisions have to be taken by Dr Viswanath and team based on this evaluation from the point of view of the lac producers.