Biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak in collaboration with the British Asian Trust organised a capacity building training on mushroom cultivation in West Garo Hills, one of the worst human-elephant conflict (HEC)-affected districts in the state.
The initiative was undertaken to supplement livelihood of the people affected by HEC in the area so as to facilitate coexistence between villagers and the wild elephants whose habitats have been constantly shrinking due to human-induced causes.
Around 25 women from several villages of Tikrikila block took part in the training. Arpana Rabha, an expert in the subject, conducted hands-on training on oyster mushroom cultivation.
Throughout the event, attendees learned about various mushroom species, cultivation techniques and the economic benefits of this sustainable practice.
The programme not only aimed at stimulating local economic growth but also sought to promote sustainable livelihoods, ensuring that the participants could effectively apply what they learnt to improve their income and offset the losses incurred due to the burgeoning HEC.
Of these 25 villagers, seven were Aaranyak’s project beneficiaries, who were supported with 2kg of mushroom spawn each.
The initiative was part of a project currently undertaken by Aaranyak and British Asian Trust, with support from Darwin Initiative, to work with multi stakeholders to promote human-elephant coexistence in the region.
In West Garo Hills, human-elephant conflict arises from habitat loss and encroachment, leading to crop raids, property damage and occasional fatalities. Rapid urbanisation and deforestation intensify clashes, threatening both human livelihoods and the survival of last remaining Asian elephant populations, Aaranyak said in a press release today.
