Author(s):

Seema Singh, Nisha Tiwary, Karuna Kumari, Kiran Kandeer and Dum Rao

Abstract: Jharkhand is a newly formed economically poor tribal populated state. A report (as per 1997) indicated that 73% of tribal families were living below poverty line and they are fully dependent on forest produce. Rice cultivation is the prime sources of livelihood promotion and income generation of rural tribal population. But due to small and marginal land holdings and erratic nature of rainfall they are unable to get income round the year. In this direction Krishi Vigyan Kendras focused on mushroom production of oyster variety among tribal community in different districts by skill development training for nutrition and livelihood security. Realizing the problem of Rabi Cropping, intervention of Mushroom production among SHGs were seemed to be an attractive and innovative enterprise by KVK. KVKs have been conducting trainings/fld/oft/krishak goshthi exihibitions regularly for farm women/farmers/rural youth /SHGs. It not only enhances their income but enhances their nutritional status too because of high percentage of protein 2.90 gm/100 gm. It is easy and convenient technology for this area because huge availability of paddy straw at local level helps in substrate formation of mushroom bundle making. It is technically feasible and widely acceptable. Since establishment of KVK more than 2000 farm women/farmers/rural youth/ extension funtionaries are trained through FLD and training. About 50 SHGs are linked with this entrepreneur and earning additional income of Rs. 20,000 to 25,000 with minimum input cost that is Rs 5000 to 7000 in one season (October to March) with a net profit of Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000/-This technology was widely accepted and adopted by the farm women. Those SHGs who are involved in Mushroom cultivation are selling mushroom in local market and rest mushroom which are not sold are kept for sun drying and sell in off season at the rate of Rs.1200-1300/kg. They also sell left dried mushroom in food processing unit for value added products like sauces, pickles & papad etc for household uses. In this way market channel has been developed for commercialization of mushroom. Seeing its impact KVK Gumla has got to conduct skill training of 200 hrs on Mushroom Production through ASCI (Agriculture skill council of India).

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