Each designated Branch & SME/Krishi Branch selects villages within a radius of 10 kilometers of the Branch premises. Following criteria is being followed in selecting a village:

■    Easy communication;
■    Availability of agriculture and other off-farm activities;
■    Abundance of low-income people;

After primary selection of a project area consisting of 4 to 6 villages, Branch conducts detailed Baseline Survey to identify the target group people and the varieties of economic activities in those areas. The concerned Branch has to ensure the availability of at least 400 target group people in the selected area.