Collaboration with Arthshakti Foundation
Client: Arthshakti Foundation
Year: 2021
Geographical Coverage: District Tehri Garhwal and Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
Green Pahadi Foundation, in collaboration with Arthshakti Foundation, implemented a project to promote sustainable livelihoods through the cultivation of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), specifically mushrooms. Through the provision of necessary resources, training, and support, GPF empowered farmers to adopt mushroom cultivation as a viable income-generating activity. This initiative aimed to address the dual challenges of poverty alleviation and forest conservation, providing farmers with alternative livelihood options beyond traditional reliance on fodder and fuelwood.
Key Highlights
- Supply of quality inputs: Farmers were provided superior-quality mushroom spawn and other production materials required for optimal yield.
- Use of local grass as substrate: Farmers were trained to repurpose local grass- traditionally burned- as a substrate for mushroom cultivation. This practice not only improved mushroom yields but also reduced harmful environmental practices.
- Training & capacity building: Conducted awareness sessions on the benefits of NTFPs for income generation and forest conservation and provided technical support to guide farmers throughout the cultivation process.
Project Outcomes
- Alternative Livelihood Creation & community empowerment: Farmers gained a sustainable income source and empowered with the resources and knowledge to integrate mushroom cultivation into their livelihoods, fostering self-reliance and economic growth.
- Environmental Benefits: Use of local grass which was otherwise being burned, encouraged sustainable practices and reduced the strain on forest resources, contributing to environmental preservation.
This initiative demonstrates how sustainable agricultural practices can address multiple challenges faced by rural communities. By integrating mushroom cultivation into traditional farming systems, Green Pahadi Foundation and Arthshakti Foundation have provided a pathway for income generation while contributing to forest conservation and environmental sustainability.
