Location:
Yedapalayam, Chennai, India

Background:
The Bethesda Evangelical and Charitable Mission has been active in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu since 1985. The purpose of this organization is to help the poor and needy. Therefore it has set up development projects for children in 6 locations which meets the needs of almost 300 children per project. In addition to providing Bible training, it has also started a vocational school where children can learn the necessary skills for various trades. These skills will help the children be independent, contributing adults.

The Bethesda Evangelical and Charitable Mission identified the papad project to help the village of Yedapalayam. In drought-ridden Yedapalayam, poverty has increased tremendously and many people have left the area. Those that stayed behind sunk into poverty since many agricultural jobs were eliminated due to the drought. Through the papad production and marketing, employment will be created for these villagers.

Papads are made from dried lentils and are very popular throughout the Indian market. Papads require skill to make, so training the papad-makers will be important in this project.

• Business: Sustainable employment for the village of Yadapalayam.

• Social: Break the poverty cycle, provide women jobs

• Ministry: Support the local community efforts with part of proceeds, practice ethics in the workplace to set an example.

This project can be divided into four phases, which will begin when funding is received:

Phase 1: Construct small production facility, procure water and electricity for the facility

Phase 2: Purchase raw materials and train initial employees in the production of papads

Phase 3: Produce papads at full-scale

Phase 4: Market papads through the local church to nearby villages

On an on-going basis, additional people will be trained in direct selling methods. Marketing the papads will be done through the local markets and a local church will help with the training, transportation and marketing costs.

•  PROFIT EXPECTATION

It is expected that the total sales will be $500-$600 per month. According to the expectations, the investment should be independent within 2 years.