Rural Entrepreneurship Promotion
Client: Dharma Life Foundation
Year: 2019-20
Geographical Coverage: Kot, Khirsu, Pabau, Kaljikhal, and Pauri development blocks in district Pauri Garhwal, and Jakholi development block in district Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand.
GPF has collaborated with Dharma Life Foundation for an ONGC funded project, to create income generation opportunities by equipping women Self-help Groups (SHGs) with necessary skills and trainings in rural entrepreneurship. The initiative aimed to enhance skills in mushroom cultivation and introduce innovative value-added products, creating sustainable income opportunities for targeted beneficiaries.
Key Highlights
- Skill-development and Capacity Building: Mushroom cultivation has emerged as a highly effective means of livelihood generation due to its low cost, minimal land requirements, and potential for high returns. Recognizing its benefits, GPF organized a series of training programs for women SHGs, focusing on:
- Mushroom cultivation techniques, from preparation to harvest.
- Advanced skills in value addition, including the production of innovative products like; Dry Mushrooms, Mushroom Badi, Mushroom Chap, Mushroom Biscuits, Mushroom Pickles, Marmalade, Jam, Soup Powder, Noodles, Poppadam, Chips, Nuggets, and more
These training sessions not only enhanced their technical skills but also equipped them to manage small-scale agribusinesses.
2. Market Linkage Support: Beneficiaries were introduced to potential markets, enabling them to sell their produce and secure sustainable incomes.
Project Outcomes
- 300+ women farmers empowered and gained sustainable livelihood opportunities through hands-on-trainings in mushroom cultivation and agro-based entrepreneurship.
- Skill enhancement of target beneficiaries in mushroom cultivation and innovative value-added product creation.
- Beneficiaries gained access to new markets and secured a stable income through innovative mushroom processing techniques.
- The project fostered sustainable livelihoods, helping women move beyond traditional roles and contribute meaningfully to household earnings.
