On the 24th and 25th of March 2025, a new chapter of hope and opportunity unfolded at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar.
In a collaborative effort between Livelihood Alternatives(LA) and the All India Co-Ordinated Research Project on Mushroom under the Directorate of Research, OUAT, a two-day training program on mushroom cultivation was organized. The program was designed not just to teach a skill but to open doors to a new livelihood for those who need it the most.
The training brought together 38 enthusiastic participants from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmers Producer Companies (FPCs) across seven diverse blocks of Odisha: Barkote, Narsinghpur, Odapada, Nayagarh, Sambalpur, Kanas, and Bari. Each participant carried with them a story of resilience and a desire to build a better future—not just for themselves but for their communities.
With the demand for organic, protein-rich food on the rise, mushroom cultivation emerges as a timely solution. It is low on investment, requires little space, and offers a high return—making it ideal for rural households. The training delved deep into the scientific and practical aspects of mushroom farming, covering compost preparation, spawn production, and an innovative semi-compost technique. The hands-on sessions empowered the participants with skills they could take home and immediately put into action.
Dr. Bikram Kumar Pani, Officer-in-Charge, led the training with a blend of scientific expertise and grounded wisdom. He also shared a vision for the future—a mentorship platform where farmers could directly connect with experts, ensuring they are never alone in their journey.
Shri Sambit Tripathy, CMD of Livelihood Alternatives, highlighted the bigger picture—one where capacity building and skill development act as the pillars of empowerment. His words echoed a commitment to not only train individuals but to transform lives.
As the two-day training came to a close, it wasn’t just about learning how to grow mushrooms—it was about planting the idea that self-reliance is within reach. With plans to replicate and scale this model across Odisha, Livelihood Alternatives is steadily working towards creating sustainable employment, food security, and economic empowerment in rural communities.
For the participants, this was more than a training—it was the beginning of something bigger. A journey towards dignity, opportunity, and growth. And for us, it was a reaffirmation of our belief: with the right support, even the smallest spores can grow into something extraordinary.