May 7–9, 2025 – Dunda Village, Uttarakhand: Women participating in the ongoing Mushroom Cultivation project by AMMACHI Labs in Dunda Village have shown commendable progress, with notable strides in both agricultural outcomes and institutional support.

As part of the initiative to promote sustainable rural livelihoods, members of the women’s group—alongside AMMACHI Labs facilitators—recently engaged in productive dialogues with local government officials, including representatives from the Aajeevika – National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). This collaboration will now provide the women with access to further training, formal inclusion in Self-Help Group (SHG) networks, and subsidized materials to expand their mushroom farming units post-monsoon.

On the cultivation front, the project marked a key milestone with the first harvests from two mushroom units, yielding a total of 17 kilograms of fresh mushrooms. These were purchased directly by local buyers, demonstrating a promising link to nearby markets. Furthermore, two additional mushroom units have now entered the fruiting stage, signifying continued momentum.

This progress not only highlights the women’s dedication and increasing expertise in mushroom cultivation but also underscores the potential of such grassroots initiatives to foster economic independence and community resilience. As the project gains ground, it stands as a model for integrating technical training, local partnerships, and entrepreneurial spirit to create lasting impact.