By Rimakshi Choudhury | Program Manager
Our project aimed in enabling towards livelihood to marginalised women farmers of the Indo-Bhutan Border, in the Baska district of Assam through Mushroom Cultivation. The women of the 6 villages of the district through the intervention and extensive handholding of Foundation for Social Transformation (FST) has capacitated themselves towards economic development through cultivation of mushroom and selling them in the local market. During the last cultivation season, they cultivated and sold 700 kilos of mushrooms even after facing challenges due to weather condition. During the beginning phase, FST provided the spawns to them in 14 SHG’s and 4 village level collectives were formed.
In the meantime, Mushroom cultivation has gained popularity as a livelihood opportunity among the women in the villages. Women showed utmost interest in taking up the activity and contributing to the family’s income.
During the last two month, members of FST visited the villages and interacted with the women. The women were enthusiastic and positive towards their economic enhancement through this livelihood opportunity. During the discussion, it was seen that other women were also very much keen in learning the activity. Also, the last year’s damage due to weather and their lack of knowledge in few aspects was a reason they needed an exposure trip to a commercial mushroom cultivation farm. Accordingly FST organised training cum exposure trip to a full-fledged farm in another district. The women had a very deep learning exchange and their skill on the process was enhanced. Post the exposure they were highly motivated and organised. 20 more women came forward to join this activity and 1 more collective of women has been formed from two villages. They ordered spawns for the current cultivation season. FST contributed half of the amount for the ordered spawns. The enthusiasm and preparation for the cultivation season is very high. Some of the women ordered for spawns separately along with the collective’s requirement. The cultivation process will start from the next month.
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