In Pema Gatshel’s Chhokhorling Gewog, a women-led farmer’s group is paving the way for social development and individual progress in Kerong village. The group which is venturing into mushroom cultivation has successfully cultivated two mushroom varieties, set to hit the market soon. To address marketing challenges, they have plans to diversify their produce.
From drilling logs to inserting mushroom spawns to sealing the holes, these women from Kerong Amtsho Detshen were provided hands-on training initiated on mushroom cultivation by RENEW.
“By giving them such livelihood skilling opportunities, we hope that they will become financially independent women and an empowered group of individuals who lead other women into a better society. And ultimately create a change in the larger society,” said Lekzin Tobgyal, programme and marketing Officer of RENEW.
Before expanding livelihood opportunities through mushroom farming, they used to depend on weaving and growing vegetables for income.
Through mushroom cultivation, the eight-member group is headed towards a successful group enterprise.
“We have been facing financial challenges while sending our children to school. We had to borrow money from others. Hereafter, we have decided to take a proactive approach. In addition to working together as a group, we plan to cultivate the mushroom in our homes too,” said Ugyen Wangmo, chairperson of Kerong Amtsho Detshen.
“We are expecting to generate income once we harvest and sell our produce. This will enable us to support not only our parents but also our siblings,” said Sangay Dema, a member of Kerong Amtsho Detshen.
The Kerong Amtsho Detshen is not only going to sell mushrooms but also create other mushroom-based products in the future.
“Regarding the oyster mushroom, we are exploring the idea of producing mushroom soup by utilising its powder. In addition, we are considering drying the mushrooms to create a powdered product. We will label them with the group’s name and introduce them to the market,” said Karma Wangchuk, Kerong Tshogpa.
“If we cannot sell raw mushrooms. We are also looking at drying them and processing them into pickles and flour to make noodles,” added Ugyen Wangmo, chairperson of Kerong Amtsho Detshen.
Today, the group has constructed two sheds to cultivate oyster and shiitake mushrooms fitted with machinery.
All these are part of a project worth over Nu 3 M funded by the United Nations Development Programme. It is implemented with support from RENEW.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sonam Pem
