Rural Non-farm Employment-Some Reflections on Petty Production

Some Reflections on Petty Production Mridul Eapen Although the growth of tiny enterprises in rural areas has resulted largely from lack of alternative employment opportunities, they are often viable undertakings which make an important contribution to the economic survival of the rural poor. As such, micro-enterprises need to be supported by better access to institutional finance through rural banking, a strategy not likely to be encouraged by the increasingly market-oriented financial policies.