THE INITIATIVE

• Encouraging innovative livelihood options

THE BENEFICIARIES

• Small/marginal farmers and landless labourers of Jamui district, Bihar

THE CHALLENGE

• Stress on traditional crops such as wheat and paddy
• Financial exclusion and absence of agromarket dynamics
• Encouraging capital formation activities in such an environment

THE SOLUTION

• Cultivation and marketing of oyster mushrooms in Giddhaur block of Jamui district
• NABARD sanctioned a project to the Social Action for Rural Development under which farmers were trained to cultivate and market oyster mushrooms for year-long income
• Major efforts made to build the capacity of farmers
• Support provided for seeds, working capital, shed construction and marketing

THE IMPACT

• Over 150 beneficiaries now engaged in the activity throughout the year
• Over beneficiaries now engaged in the activity throughout the year
• Viable spawn centre in the village from where beneficiaries buy seeds
• Assured market for mushrooms