Empowering rural youth in Puri district through mushroom cultivation for sustainable livelihoods Acharya Sumita1,*, Sahoo Madhusmita2, Sarangi Debendranath3 1Scientist (Home Science), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Puri (Odisha) 2Young Professional, ICAR-ARYA Project 3Senior Technical Officer (Crop Science), ICAR-CIWA, Bhubaneswar *Corresponding Author's Email: sumitaacharya75@gmail.com, sumitaacharya@ouat.ac.in
Online published on 28 March, 2024. Abstract Mushroom cultivation presents itself as a lucrative and sustainable opportunity that warrants encouragement among young individuals, fostering their engagement in agriculture. Notably, within the Puri district, there is a discernible upswing in the adoption of mushroom cultivation. However, for this trend to evolve into a genuinely profitable venture, it is crucial to equip farmers with the requisite training and knowledge. Recognizing that young people are the primary contributors to income, their active involvement is pivotal. In an attempt to enhance the earnings of rural unemployed youth, a comprehensive training program was implemented, benefitting 50 participants aged between 20 and 40 yrs. This initiative encompassed a diverse range of activities, such as practical demonstrations, structured training sessions, exposure visits, extension initiatives, provision of essential startup resources, and facilitation of access to government schemes and programs. As a direct outcome of their involvement in the ARYA Project, these previously unemployed youths have undergone a significant transformation, notably enhancing their capacity to contribute to their families income. Top Keywords Development, Income, Mushroom, Production, Rural, Youth. Top |