Collaboration with People’s Science Institute (PSI), Dehradun
Client: People’s Science Institute (PSI), Dehradun
Year: 2022
Geographical Coverage: Panyali, Buranshi Kaul, Dhana Choli & Aghariya villages of Dhari development block in district Nainital, Uttarakhand
Green Pahadi Foundation has served as the Training Partner to PSI under the LIFE (Livelihood improvement through financial empowerment) project, funded under the CSR initiative of LIC Housing Finance Ltd. and implemented by PSI. The project focused on promoting sustainable livelihoods through farm and off-farm enterprises and equipping rural communities with the skills and resources to enhance their economic well-being. As a Training partner to PSI, Green Pahadi Foundation has executed targeted trainings, strengthening the income-generating capabilities of local households.
Key Highlights
- GPF conducted hands-on training sessions on mushroom cultivation for farmers, covering the entire cultivation process- from substrate preparation to harvesting- including substrate sterilization, spawn quality testing, and growing bag preparation.
- Provided detailed insights into the sustainability of mushroom farming, focusing on resource management, economic viability, and the health benefits of mushrooms.
- Supplied mushroom spawn and other essential raw materials to participants and assisted them in setting up micro mushroom-growing units, each containing 40–45 growing bags. Each unit utilized 20–25 kg of wheat straw and produced a minimum of 20 kg of mushrooms.
- Created a WhatsApp group to offer real-time solutions to challenges faced by farmers, ensuring consistent progress in their farming endeavors.
Project Outcomes
- Skill Development: Farmers gained hands-on expertise in mushroom cultivation.
- Income Generation: Each unit produced 20 kg of mushrooms, created new livelihood opportunities.
- Sustainability: Efficient use of wheat straw (an agricultural by-product) promoted eco-friendly farming.
- Health and Nutrition Awareness: Communities became aware of the health benefits of mushrooms, potentially diversifying local diets.
- Ongoing Support: Real-time problem-solving through a dedicated WhatsApp group ensured consistent progress.
By providing practical training, technical expertise, and continuous mentorship, GPF empowered farmers to adopt mushroom cultivation as a sustainable and profitable livelihood. This initiative not only enhanced rural incomes but also contributed to building resilient farming communities.
