Migrants start mushroom farming to earn at home in UP's Prayagraj

PRAYAGRAJ: Around 300 migrants who returned to their homes in Mishrapur and Delha villages in the trans-Ganga area of Phulpur tehsil from Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and other mega cities during lockdown are learning and starting mushroom cultivation to start earning.
Mushroom farming is one of the most profitable agri-business that can be started with low investment and less space.
The officials of National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) are connecting with more and more people of 102 gram sabhas and imparting training for mushroom cultivation.
NRLM district mission manager Sharad Kumar Singh told TOI, "Many migrants are interested to learn mushroom cultivation and have even purchased required equipment. Many of them have set up facilities on their land for production of mushroom seeds."
Saurabh, block mission manager, Phulpur, told TOI, "Initially, some people in the trans-Ganga belt were interested in mushroom cultivation. But, since migrants returned home many of them showed interest and so we are imparting training to them for mushroom cultivation."
He added, "The season from August is favourable for mushroom cultivation, migrants have shown their interest in growing two types — desi and butter mushroom."
"Mushroom is sent to other cities and states and growers earn good profit. They can also prepare mushroom papad and mushroom pickle," he said.
As mushroom cultivation can be done in a corner of the house, many migrants have even purchased equipment like thermometer, hygrometer, trays, bamboo sticks for platforms, polythene, paddy straw, spawn bottles, chemical for sterilization and processing and tools for temperature maintenance.
Deshraj, a migrant who returned from Pune to his native town Phulpur, said, "We have adequate land in the village, so we have started mushroom cultivation in a portion of the house.”
"Instead of working as a labourer in a metropolis, now I plan to start mushroom farming for my livelihood,"he added.