๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐จ๐ฆ ๐ ๐๐ซ๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฐ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฒ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ง
In Kottathara village of Wayanad, Kerala, a group of 20 women decided to take charge of their future through mushroom cultivation. Most of them were homemakers and small-scale farmers struggling with low income, rising household expenses, and limited livelihood options. With facilitation from Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP) and support from the Oak Foundation, the women received practical training in mushroom farming โ from substrate preparation to harvesting and value addition.
The journey was far from easy. They faced challenges such as lack of space, irregular access to spawn, and limited market connections. But their determination and teamwork helped them overcome every hurdle. With continuous support from SSP and technical guidance from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ambalavayal, the group successfully produced over 350 kilograms of oyster mushrooms, earning โน1.33 lakh in a single season.
Among them, Madhavi Kelu, an active leader, took innovation a step further by introducing Mushroom Pickle, adding an extra โน12,000 to her income. Today, these women earn between โน1,500 and โน3,000 per month and are expanding their mushroom units under the Koongramam Padhadhi (Mushroom Village Project) launched by the Government of Kerala. Beyond income, this initiative has brought them newfound confidence, leadership, and respect within their families and communities.
โI never thought I could earn from something I grew at home. Mushroom farming not only gave me an income but also the confidence to lead other women toward self-reliance,โ says Mrs. Rihanath, a proud mushroom farmer.From modest homes to thriving enterprises, these women are proving that big dreams can indeed grow from tiny spores.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
24 October, 2025