Mumbai, July 11: In Tehri district of Uttarakhand, women are becoming self-reliant through mushroom farming, thanks to government initiatives aimed at boosting their income. Rapid cultivation of mushrooms is taking place across various blocks, including Narendra Nagar, Jaunpur, Kirtinagar, Chamba, and Ghanasali. This initiative is creating new job opportunities and enhancing their economic stability.
The state government is effectively implementing its plans, with the administration closely monitoring progress. Chief Development Officer Varuna Agarwal is personally inspecting various projects to ensure that more women can engage in self-employment. In addition to mushroom production, women are also being encouraged to cultivate other high-value crops and diamond fruits, which will help develop new income sources in mountainous regions.
Varuna Agarwal, the Chief Development Officer of Tehri Garhwal, stated in an interview that a significant number of hotels, restaurants, and tourism-related establishments operate in the district. Due to its location on the Char Dham pilgrimage route, the area attracts a large number of pilgrims and tourists each year, maintaining a consistent demand for mushrooms. In light of this need, the administration has trained and encouraged women to produce various types of mushrooms, thereby increasing local job opportunities while meeting demand.
She highlighted that Kirtinagar and Devprayag, located along the Char Dham route, are particularly focused on large-scale production of butter mushrooms. Additionally, mushroom-based bakery units have been established, operated by women, generating sales of over one lakh rupees each month, significantly boosting their income.
Agarwal emphasized that the administration aims to inspire women in areas with a thriving hotel industry and better market access to engage in mushroom production. She believes this initiative will not only make women self-sufficient but also empower them economically, strengthening the local economy.
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