In the heart of Basantpur village, nestled within Mandu Block, Ramgarh District, a quiet revolution in women’s empowerment has been underway. Launched under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) and executed by YUVA Organization, the Mushroom Cultivation Cum Training Program stands as a shining example of what consistent support, proper training, and the right opportunities can accomplish in rural India. This was not just a short-term training session or an awareness campaign. This was a comprehensive, year-long initiative designed to equip 30 local women with an in-demand, sustainable skill—and more importantly, the confidence to use it for real economic benefit. From Theory to Practice: Building Skills the Right Way The journey began with a structured 30-day training course, carefully split into 15 days of theory and 15 days of hands-on practical sessions. The training was led by an experienced Master Trainer, who ensured that participants understood not just how mushrooms are cultivated, but why each step matters. Trainees were taught:How to create a clean, sanitized environment for mushroom growth, Methods for maintaining temperature, humidity, and hygiene, Techniques for recognizing healthy growth vs. fungal problems, Post-harvest processes like drying, sorting, and packing, But the training didn’t stop at production. Participants also learned how to create mushroom-based dishes — from soups and cutlets to traditional recipes — and were taught about value addition, food presentation, and selling techniques for both raw mushrooms and ready-to-eat items. The Year That Made the Difference: After the 30-day foundation was laid, the real work began. For the next 11 months, the project ensured that all 30 beneficiaries continued to cultivate mushrooms under careful observation and guidance. This long-term model was crucial. During this phase, the women:Grew multiple batches of mushrooms, Tried new recipes and cooking techniques, Learned how to engage with customers, Practiced pricing, budgeting, and selling in the local market, Saw real earnings and gained confidence in their efforts. For many, this became more than a training — it became a habit, a routine, and eventually a source of monthly income. Most of the women now earn ?2,500 to ?3,000 extra per month, which is a meaningful and empowering financial addition in rural households. The success didn’t just show in numbers — it reflected in their self-esteem, their independence, and the way they were viewed in their communities. Sustained Hand-Holding Technical Support by YUVA: Understanding that learning doesn't end with a certificate, YUVA Organization also provided an additional six months of technical support after the core one-year programme. This support included:Helping beneficiaries when they faced issues in mushroom growth, guiding them in finding verified suppliers for spawn and materials, answering technical queries and providing field advice, ensuring they didn’t feel abandoned after training completion. This extended support was not about giving resources — it was about enabling independence, solving on-ground problems, and making sure participants stayed on track and didn’t give up due to small challenges. The trust that grew during these six months became a bridge between knowledge and real-world application. Bridging Rural Skill with Digital Reach: To modernize access and expand their market, a basic online portal was created for the beneficiaries. Through a QR Code-based system, local buyers and mushroom enthusiasts could place orders directly. This move helped the women explore digital exposure without complexity — introducing them to the concept of online selling and how their rural enterprise could reach beyond village boundaries. Conclusion: Skill, Support, and Sustainability: The Mushroom Cultivation Programme in Basantpur proves that with the right approach, rural skill development can go far beyond training halls. It takes structure, consistency, local engagement, and ongoing guidance to make a real difference.Through the CSR support of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) and the committed execution by YUVA, this programme has done exactly that — empowering women with skill, supporting them through implementation, and sustaining them through market exposure and technical guidance.These women didn’t just learn how to grow mushrooms — they learned how to grow futures.
