A Journey of Self-Reliance: How Subarna Teli Transformed Her Life Through Mushroom Cultivation

In the small village of Kurla under Tangarpalli block, Sundargarh District the story of Subarna Teli is inspiring many women to dream bigger and become self-reliant. What started as a small initiative two years ago has now become a successful livelihood activity that supports her family and motivates her community.

Like many rural women, Subarna once had limited opportunities to earn an income independently. Determined to improve her family’s livelihood, she participated in mushroom cultivation training organized by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). The training gave her not only technical knowledge but also the confidence to start her own enterprise.

With dedication, patience, and hard work, Subarna began cultivating mushrooms at her home. Today, she successfully supplies fresh mushrooms to local villagers at Rs. 300 per kilogram, earning a steady income and gaining recognition within her village.

To maintain healthy and quality production, she procures mushroom spawn from Phuljhadi village in Sundargarh district. Through proper cultivation practices and continuous effort, she has transformed mushroom farming into a sustainable source of livelihood.

But Subarna’s journey is more than just financial success. It reflects confidence, self-reliance, and the growing power of rural women entrepreneurship. Her success has encouraged many other women in Tangarpalli block to take up mushroom cultivation as an income-generating activity.

At present, nearly 50–60 women, including members from 4–5 Self Help Groups (SHGs), are actively engaged in mushroom cultivation in the region. Their collective efforts are creating new opportunities for income generation, nutritional security, and women empowerment.

Subarna Teli’s inspiring journey stands as a shining example of how skill development, training, and community participation can transform lives and empower rural women to build a better future through sustainable agriculture.