Learning beyond books has always proven that skills and experiences always make navigation through a successful career, easier in an ever-competitive job market. And today, Yurung Central School of Pema Gatshel is living up to the ideology. Besides marketing knowledge, the Bamung Entrepreneurship Club is also learning the art of growing mushrooms. And they are doing it in an eco-friendly way.
First of its kind in eastern Bhutan, the club is using a completely different approach to grow mushrooms. They use sawdust, pet bottles and transparent plastic bag. And it has perfectly replaced the use of logs.
The pet bottles and plastics which are filled with sawdust are steamed to sterilise them. This is done to disinfect the package. Then they are stacked, just like logs to sow seed.
According to the club coordinator, Kelzang Choeda, they started the pilot project to reduce plastic waste and use them in better ways.
“We don’t easily get logs these days. Even if we get it, it is not environmental friendly. We started using sawdust because it is freely available in sawmills,” he said.
For some 20 club members, this is the first of such experiences in their lives. And they are enthusiastic about learning the new skill. Moreover, they are confident that such a skill would make them ready for a similar business venture in future.
“It was difficult at first. However, after we saw the result, it was more satisfying than ever. With enough knowledge about mushroom cultivation, I can sustain my livelihood,” said Damchoe Norbu, one of the club members.
Likewise, Pema Choden, another member said that besides book knowledge, such real-life experiences are much more important.
“These days, the mushroom is almost everyone’s favourite, so, I believe we can make enough income from mushroom cultivation,” she added.
An official from the Agriculture Research and Development Centre in Khangma under Trashigang provided a two-day training to the members during the summer break. The centre also provides technical support to the club.
It was also part of the programme to keep the students engaged during the break. Meanwhile, the club was established last year.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Chayku
