Organised NABARD sponsored Capacity Building Programme on “Livelihood Improvement and Nutritional Security through Mushroom Production Technology” by ICAR RC NEH region, Mizoram Centre Kolasib
(12th Feb., to 17th Feb., 2018)
The ICAR-RC NEH Region, Kolasib, Mizoram, a regional station of ICAR RC NEH Region, Umiam Meghalaya is responsible for conducting research, training and transferring the feasible technologies to farmers of Mizoram. Plant Pathology Division of this centre is actively working to bring economic stability to low income families of Mizoram through imparting training, demonstration on entrepreneurship oriented programmes like Mushroom cultivation. This process has been begun by encouraging interested youth and farm women of Mizoram to start up agri-based business in the region. The centre has well equipped for large scale spawn production, mushroom production and other facilities, like training hall, audio visual aids, print materials etc. In last few years, this centre has conducted various training on mushroom cultivation technology in many part of Mizoram toward development entrepreneurship programme and leadership skills with the financial support of TSP (Tribal Sub Plan) and AICRP on Mushroom (ICAR-DMR, Solan, HP). In this context, ICAR RC NEH Region, Mizoram Centre has organised six days capacity building programme on “Livelihood Improvement and Nutritional Security through Mushroom Production Technology- (MEDP)” sponsored by NABARD, Aizawl, Mizoram w.e.f. 12th February to 17th February, 2018. The programme attended by thirty (30) trainees represented from 10 SHGs of Kolasib District comprises of farm women. The objective of capacity building programme is to build up skill and competence of SHGs members on Mushroom Cultivation Technology as an agri-enterprise to raise farm income, nutritional security and improve quality of life. Trainees were trained all the aspects about Mushroom cultivation and production and its management during six days long programme. Skill on mushroom culture, spawn production, mushroom house construction, cultivation of mushroom, basic knowledge about prevention of diseases, market assessment are some the major areas were covered in this training programme by Mr. Lalnunzaula (YP-1). Activities were especially designed for capacity building in technological and micro-entrepreneurial uptake after exposure to the training which can be enhanced the income and employment generation of farm women. Through resources person from various financial institutions like LDM, SBI Kolasib, Mizoram Rural Bank, Kolasib Branch, Block Manager, MzSRLM, Kolasib district shared the knowledge on linkages of SHGs to credit lending institutions in Mizoram. As part of programme, an exposure visit also conducted to our adopted mushroom farmer (under TSP and AICRP (Mushroom), Mr. Laldawngkima (45years), Bualpui, Kolasib District and he highlighted the experiences on his mushroom cultivation practices. Conversion of SMS (spent mushroom substrate) to compost through composting technology also demonstrated by Dr Lungmuana (Scientist, Soil Science) to trainees. They were actively involved during all practical activities and observed very responsive to the technologies. During valedictory function, SHGs members were expressed feedbacks, outline future work plan and awarded certificate. Capacity building programme was considered grand success and concluded by offering vote of thanks by organizing secretary.
Glimpse of 6 days capacity building Programme on “Livelihood Improvement And Nutritional Security Through Oyster Mushroom Cultivation Technology” organised by ICAR Mizoram Centre Funded by NABARD, Aizawl, Mizoram a) opening ceremony b) substrate preparation c) spawning, d) Exposure visit to Pu Laldawngkima’s Mushroom farm, Baulpui e) SMS composting technology and) Group photo of valedictory function.
Source: A Ratankumar Singh, Organizing Secretary, (Scientist Plant Pathology), ICAR RC NEH Region, Mizoram Centre
