On October 3rd and 4th, 2024, the Tazei Foundation conducted a mushroom cultivation training program in Thenjang village, aimed at empowering women and youth through skill development and entrepreneurship. Led by Ngasianlungliu Panmei, Cluster Development Executive (CDE), the training provided participants with an introduction to mushroom cultivation, highlighting its many benefits. Panmei emphasized the nutritional, economic, environmental, and health advantages of growing mushrooms, as well as the low land use and investment required—making it an attractive option for sustainable agriculture. She also explained how the spent mushroom substrate can be repurposed as valuable compost for organic gardening, further promoting sustainability.
The theory session, led by Abigail Phaomei, Cluster Development Executive (CDE), delved into practical aspects of mushroom cultivation, including the preparation of shade houses, substrate creation using sawdust and banana leaves, and different cultivation methods suitable for the local environment.
A hands-on practical session followed, where participants engaged in preparing substrates and applying the techniques they learned. The interactive nature of the session ensured that everyone gained valuable experience. This training not only equipped participants with essential agricultural skills but also sparked ideas for entrepreneurship, fostering self-reliance and economic growth in the community.
