2. Vermicompost, Vermihatchery, Organic Agriculture Demonstration, Mushroom cultivation, food processing and packaging training
Funding: Uttarakhand Forest Department under it’s Lakhwad Catchment Area Treatment Plan
Year: 2025
Geographical area: Jaunpur block, Chakarata block, Barkot
Key highlights:
Mushroom Cultivation Training
- Practical training on seasonal and oyster mushroom cultivation to rural women and youth.
- Covered substrate preparation, spawn inoculation, pest management, harvesting, and marketing.
- Low-cost models promoted for home-based income generation.
Vermicompost & Vermihatchery Establishment
- Setup of vermicompost pits for organic manure production using local biodegradable waste.
- Vermihatcheries introduced for earthworm breeding to ensure continuous vermicompost production.
- Hands-on demonstrations for SHGs and farmers to adopt sustainable soil enrichment practices.
Organic Agriculture Demonstration
- Field demonstrations of organic farming techniques including biofertilizers, biopesticides, and crop rotation.
- Promotion of traditional and indigenous crops suited to hill agro-climatic conditions.
- Model plots established to encourage adoption and replication by local farmers.
Food Processing Training
- Capacity building of rural communities in value addition to local produce (pickles, jams, chutneys, juices).
- Training on hygienic processing, packaging, labeling, and market linkages.
- Focus on utilizing locally grown fruits and vegetables to increase shelf-life and income.
Livelihood & Climate-Resilient Practices
- Activities designed to reduce pressure on forests by providing alternative income sources.
- Integration of climate-smart agriculture and waste-to-wealth concepts.
- Enhanced participation of women and youth through SHGs and community-based organizations.