From spore to shelf — a five-month course that takes SC/ST households all the way from cultivation to FSSAI-compliant packaging.
Training programme on button mushroom cultivation for Women Self Help Groups, NTPC Darlipali
Social Development Foundation (SDF), Talcher, conducted a five-month skill development programme on button mushroom cultivation and food processing for farmers under the CSR sub-scheme, with support from NTPC Darlipali, Sundargarh, Odisha. The training commenced on 17 January and was designed to strengthen the livelihood opportunities of members belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.
The programme combined classroom-based learning with practical exposure to mushroom cultivation and processing techniques. Participants were trained in the production of button mushrooms and introduced to different methods of value addition and food processing, with special attention given to food preservation, hygienic handling, appropriate packaging and storage practices, and maintaining product quality.
Food Safety & Enterprise Skills
The participants were also oriented towards food safety standards and FSSAI requirements, including proper labeling and the responsible use of permitted preservatives. In addition, the programme focused on developing entrepreneurial capabilities through training in marketing, branding, product pricing and basic enterprise management — equipping participants to establish or expand mushroom-based livelihood enterprises and move towards sustainable income generation.
A Closer Look
Labelled compost materials used for mushroom cultivation