Namsai, Dec 8: A capacity-building training on Oyster Mushroom cultivation was organised today under NABARD’s JIVA Project at Mahadevpur–III, Namsai district. The initiative, implemented through NOSAAP as the Project Facilitating Agency (PFA), aims to promote agroecology and natural farming practices among tribal communities as part of NABARD’s Tribal Development Programme.
JIVA—derived from the Sanskrit word meaning life—symbolises a holistic transition towards farming systems that nurture ecological balance, soil health and sustainable livelihoods through knowledge-driven, low-input agricultural practices.
As part of the programme, Paddy Straw Cutting Machines (chaff cutters), essential for preparing straw substrate in mushroom cultivation, were provided to the SHGs for establishing village-level support mechanisms. Critical inputs including mushroom spawn, spawn bags and water sprayers were also distributed to participating Self-Help Groups.
Technical sessions were conducted by Senior Scientist, ICAR–KVK Namsai, SMS, Madhumita Sonowal, who delivered theoretical training, while Dhanpal Singh, Field Staff-cum-Trainer from the Horticulture Department, facilitated hands-on demonstrations on substrate preparation, spawn packing and scientific cultivation techniques for improved mushroom yield.
Addressing the participants, Chau Athina Chauhai, CEO, NOSAAP,…