Growing New Possibilities Through Mushroom Cultivation

A new skill can sometimes open the door to a new possibility. On 17 September 2026, KMWSC organised a training session on mushroom cultivation for members of the Mothers' Group under the Resurgence of COVID Project and the Survivors' Group of the Naya Disha Project, introducing participants to a livelihood opportunity that can be explored with relatively simple resources and practical skills.

The training began with an introduction to mushrooms, their different varieties and their nutritional value. Participants also learned about the growing demand for mushrooms in international markets and why mushroom cultivation can be considered a promising livelihood option. The session then moved from knowledge to practice, covering how mushroom seeds can be prepared at home, how cultivation is carried out and the important precautions to be observed throughout the process.

An important part of the training was learning from the experiences of other Self-Help Groups that have taken up mushroom cultivation and used it as a source of income and greater financial independence. This helped participants understand how a small-scale livelihood activity can gradually contribute to household earnings.

The most encouraging moment came after the demonstration, when several participants tried the seed preparation process themselves. Their immediate interest was evident as they actively engaged with the practical activity and began considering the possibility of starting cultivation themselves. Some participants expressed their willingness to take up mushroom cultivation if the required seeds could be made available.

For many of them, this possibility is particularly meaningful as a significant part of their existing income comes from bidi binding, a physically demanding activity with limited returns. Mushroom cultivation therefore introduced not just a new skill, but a potential alternative livelihood that could diversify household income.

The participants expressed their gratitude to KMWSC for creating an opportunity to learn, experiment and explore a new pathway towards greater economic independence.

“When a new skill takes root, new possibilities can grow.” 

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