Karbi Anglong Families Learn Mushroom Farming with Aaranyak and Rabha Agrcotech
Aaranyak, a leading biodiversity conservation organization, partnered with Rabha Agrcotech to complete a summer mushroom cultivation training program for marginalized Karbi families in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district. The program, part of the Alternative Sustainable Livelihood (ASL) Initiatives, concluded on July 18.
Training Details
The training began on June 22 and was conducted in two phases. The first phase included preliminary training on paddy straw cutting, sterilization through boiling, and mushroom cylinder preparation. The final phase, held after 25 days, covered advanced techniques like sand and vermicompost preparation.
Participants and Trainers
The training was led by mushroom trainer Manoranjan Saikia, with support from Aaranyak’s team, including Senior Project Officer Sarlongjon Teron, Project Officer Joshna Terangpi, Assistant Project Officer Sarlongki Teron, Field Assistants Prokash Engti and Beauty Terangpi, and Volunteer Stephan Tokbi.
Community Impact
Participants, including Jirhun Killingpi and Kareng Rongpipi, expressed their enthusiasm and gratitude for the training. They have already trained 57 women in their villages and plan to continue spreading the knowledge. Aaranyak’s efforts aim to support sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity conservation in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong and Manas Landscapes in Assam.
Doubts Revealed
Karbi Anglong -: Karbi Anglong is a district in the Indian state of Assam. It is home to the Karbi people, an indigenous community.
Aaranyak -: Aaranyak is an organization that works to protect nature and wildlife. They help people learn how to take care of the environment.
Rabha Agrcotech -: Rabha Agrcotech is a company that helps farmers with new farming techniques and technologies. They work to improve farming practices.
Mushroom Farming -: Mushroom farming is the process of growing mushrooms for food. It involves preparing special places for mushrooms to grow and taking care of them.
Marginalized -: Marginalized means people who are not given the same opportunities as others. They often face difficulties in getting jobs, education, and other resources.
Paddy Straw Cutting -: Paddy straw cutting is the process of cutting the leftover stalks from rice plants. These stalks can be used to grow mushrooms.
Sterilization -: Sterilization means making something very clean by removing all germs and bacteria. This is important in mushroom farming to prevent diseases.
Mushroom Cylinder Preparation -: Mushroom cylinder preparation involves creating a special container where mushrooms can grow. It includes filling the container with materials like paddy straw.
Sustainable Livelihoods -: Sustainable livelihoods are ways of earning money that do not harm the environment. They help people live better lives while protecting nature.
Biodiversity Conservation -: Biodiversity conservation means protecting different kinds of plants and animals. It helps keep the environment healthy and balanced.