The District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Leh, under the aegis of Mission Shakti, successfully conducted a 5-day training program on mushroom cultivation across various villages in Nubra Valley from June 16 to 20.

The initiative aimed to empower women by equipping them with sustainable agricultural skills to boost livelihoods and promote economic independence.

The training was led by Sonam Angmo, a respected agri-biotechnologist, who served as the resource person. She provided hands-on demonstrations and shared expert knowledge on mushroom cultivation techniques, highlighting it as a low-investment, high-return venture well-suited to the region’s climate and resources.

Women from the villages of Turtuk, Tyakshi, Chulunka, Tongsted, Henachey, Charasa, Sumoor, Tsati, Khaltasar, Diskit, Hunder, and Partapur actively participated in the program. The sessions covered key aspects of mushroom production, including substrate preparation, cultivation methods, and harvesting techniques, tailored to empower women with practical, income-generating skills.

At the conclusion of the training, mushroom spawn were distributed to participants on a trial basis to help them begin cultivation in their own homes or farms.

This initiative aligns with Mission Shakti’s goal of fostering women-led development through skill-based training, encouraging financial self-reliance, and promoting sustainable livelihood practices in rural Ladakh.