Sindholi shepherds’ experiment with self-reliance

Coop. society has been helping shepherds and weavers for over half a century

The Kanakadasa Sheep Rearing and Wool Producers Cooperative Society of Sindholi village in Belagavi district has been helping shepherds and weavers for over half a century, influenced by the Gandhian ideals of Swadeshi, village industry, and self-reliance.

Started by progressive wool farmer G.K. Bekkinakeri in 1967, the society that began with nine members, two workers, and 10 sheep rearing families is today categorised an ‘A’ class society by the Department of Cooperation. It has over 500 members who produce around 32,000 shawls, blankets, rugs, and other products, leading to an annual turnover of around ₹6 crore.

“We serve over 2,500 families in 22 villages surrounding Sindholi. We have created thousands of direct and indirect jobs,” says Ramalingappa Anagolkar, chairman of the society and one of the founders. The society has never taken a bank loan since inception, the octogenarian declares proudly. Among his fondest memories are supplying blankets and rugs to the Indian Army during the Kargil conflict.