A Skill Training for Rural Youth (STRY) on “Mushroom Production Technology” was organised from November 25 to 30, at Aopao village, Aboi Block, Mon district.
The event was organized by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) in association with the State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI), Medziphema, and the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad.
In a press release ATMA, Mon, Dy. Project Director N. Subenthung Odyuo informed that the program was inaugurated by Project Director ATMA, Mon, Biren Chetri. Chetri highlighted that the STRY training aimed to provide skill-based training to rural youth in agri-based vocational areas to promote income generation and employment in rural areas.
He also apprised the participants about the growing global demand for organic products. N. Subenthung Odyuo, briefly explained the benefits of mushroom production. He highlighted that with the paddy harvest complete, the hay/straw, typically wasted, becomes an ideal material for generating income through mushroom production.
A participatory rural appraisal on resources and locally available mushrooms and raw materials was conducted. Resource persons Block Technology Manager, Mhachamo Ngullie, trained farmers on various cultivable mushroom types and raw materials for oyster mushroom production. Vikhotso Pucho, Assistant Technology Manager, taught participants techniques for preparation, chopping, boiling, drying, and packaging.
In the practical sessions, a PRA was conducted along with hands-on demonstrations on raw material preparation and sterilization. Participants also practiced packaging and hanging the medium for production. A total of 35 farmers benefited from the program.