1Subject Matter Specialist, Agricultural Economics, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Anjaw, Andhra Pradesh
2Senior Scientist & Head, DTAC, ICAR-RC for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya
3Senior Scientist & Head, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Anjaw, Andhra Pradesh
4Senior Scientist, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Gogamukh, Assam
5Subject Matter Specialist, Community Science, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Anjaw, Andhra Pradesh
6Subject Matter Specialist, Agronomy, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Anjaw, Andhra Pradesh
7Subject Matter Specialist, SWCE, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Anjaw, Andhra Pradesh
8Subject Matter Specialist, Horticulture, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Anjaw, Andhra Pradesh
*Corresponding author email id: Soibam.Singh1@icar.org.in, dnksasmal@rediffmail.com
The study examine the potential of mushroom cultivation as a sustainable livelihood among women SHG members in Anjaw district. Socio-economic information revealed that a majority of mushroom growers are middle-aged women with moderate education and farming experience. Pre and post-training knowledge assessment indicated a statistically significant enhance in the knowledge among SHG members. The study realized several critical constraints including unavailability of quality spawn and inputs, high transportation costs, inadequate storage infrastructure and price fluctuations. Further, due to remote location of the district, low population density and unorganized market systems aggravate challenges in production and marketing of mushroom. Nevertheless, due to collective effort of SHGs, availability of local labor and rising interest among women indicate a positive trend toward mushroom-based microenterprises. The study recommends continued training and institutional backup holds strong potential to enhance income generation, food security and women's empowerment contributing significantly to inclusive rural development in the district.
Agricultural entrepreneurship, Mushroom cultivation, Socio-economic impact, Training intervention, Women empowerment