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, elaborated on the objectives, components and long-term vision of the JIVA initiative. Shri Kamal Roy, AGM, NABARD, emphasised the importance of natural farming for ecological and economic resilience of ruralfarmers. He also briefed the SHGs about Kisan Credit Card (KCC), financial inclusion opportunities and available social security schemes for rural households.
The programme aims to build sustainable micro-enterprise opportunities in mushroom cultivation while strengthening community institutions under the JIVA framework in Namsai district.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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