Chhatrapur: In a bid to augment income of rural people, particularly women, the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) has taken up a major step to boost mushroom cultivation in Ganjam district. The aim is to make the district a mushroom hub. Steps have been taken to set up 503 mushroom farms in the district.
This was informed by DRDA Project Director, Shinde Dattatraya Bhausaheb on Twitter Sunday.
Mushroom farming will provide income opportunities for rural women associated with SHGs.
The DRDA will execute the project through the Odisha Livelihood Mission. SHG members promoted under Mission Shakti will be encouraged to take up mushroom farming.
About 80 per cent of the population in the district depends on agriculture. Paddy straws are the main raw material for mushroom farming. As straw is abundantly available, it will be made good use for mushroom farming.
Paddy straw mushroom is the easiest crop for rural people. It is cultivated for at least 10 months in a year. This farming has potential to make people self-employed.
The DRDA has set a target to set up 503 mushroom farms in the first phase under MGNREGS.
SHGs will manage these farms. Each SHG will be provided with Rs 1 lakh as assistance.
Through the National Horticulture Mission, SHGs will have to bear only 40 per cent for the cost. Technical assistance will be provided by the horticulture department.
It was learnt that Sabuja Ganjam Producer Company managed by SHGs will market the mushroom.
PNN