Aaranyak Holds Mushroom Cultivation Training

GUWAHATI, Jan 16: Aaranyak, in association with DBT-sponsored Technology Incubation Centre on Mushroom at Bodoland University organized a one-day training programme on Mushroom cultivation for Karbi women of the villages under the Kohora river basin, Karbi Anglong on January 12.

Aaranyak has been working with the communities with the objective of improving and diversifying sustainable agricultural practices through scientific techniques and methods. The training was held at the village Primary School, Hemailekthe village. Dr. Sandeep Das, Professor, Biotechnology Department, Bodoland University, Kokrajhar conducted the training. Prof. Das was supported by Dr. Papia Das, Mr. Amrit Debnath, Mr. Harish Upadhyay during the training.

A total of 22 women participated in the training programme. The participants learnt the scientific process of Mushroom cultivation. They also got an overall idea of different types of edible mushrooms and its potential economic importance for a family. Prof. Das emphasized that mushroom is a well-known source of proteins, vitamins and antioxidants as well as can provide food, nutritional and financial security for the women and their families. Based on the climate and environment of the area, cultivation of oyster mushroom was advised.

The participants were enthusiastic and excited to learn the various techniques involved in the cultivation. Exuberant and eager participants felt confident that they too can produce and cultivate good quality mushrooms.

Durmi Beypi, one of the participants, said, "From now on I can confidently practise mushroom cultivation and our SHG will get a way of engaging for economic activities". She expressed confidence that with the support provided by Aaranyak, the women will be able to get some additional income and also nutritive benefits of mushroom for the families as they live hand to mouth.

The basic training covered the important aspects and steps involved in the cultivation of Oyster mushrooms like maintaining the ambient room temperature, sterilization of paddy straw and cultivating mushrooms in paddy straw cylinders. Prof. Das highlighted economic and financial benefits farmers can achieve by cultivating mushrooms. Dr. M. Firoz Ahmed, Dr. Jayanta Kumar Sarma of Aaranyak, Swapan Nath, teacher of Chandrasing Rongpi Memorial High School were present to guide and motivate the participants, and to increase their zeal in learning and practicing mushroom cultivation.

Dr. Jayanta Kumar Roy, Sarlongjon Teron and Rowel Engti from Aaranyak coordinated the training programme.

Aaranyak is committed to support the communities living in the villages of the Kohora River Basin for sustainable livelihoods through its community-based Natural Resource Management Programme currently supported by the US Fish and Wildlife Services and the Disney Conservation Fund.

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