Mushroom Empowerment with Inspired Determination
The journey of Mrs. Moni Deka, a woman mushroom grower from Udalguri
Introduction
Mrs. Moni Deka, a 38-year-old widow from a village in Udalguri district of Assam, is a fine example of determination, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. After the untimely death of her husband, she became the sole earning member of her family of three, which includes her two young children. To make ends meet, she took on several roles, working as an Anganwadi worker and earning extra income from tailoring.
Resources Possessed
On her 0.26 ha of land, Moni practises natural farming and grows vegetables such as potato, tomato, mustard greens and spinach, which fetch good prices in the local market. These resources give her family food security and a steady income.
The Turning Point
Moni’s life changed when she attended a training programme on oyster mushroom cultivation at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Udalguri. Convinced that the technology needed little investment yet gave good returns, she started growing mushrooms at home on a small scale and gradually built on that start.
- 2017-18Trained in oyster mushroom cultivation by KVK Udalguri; began small-scale production at home
- 2023-24Selected for a demonstration on production technology and value addition of oyster mushroom, facilitated by KVK Udalguri and supported by Bodoland University under the Biotech Kisan Hub project
- FPC FormationBecame the most active member of Dhansiri Valley Mushroom Producer Company, formed with KVK Udalguri’s facilitation and Bodoland University’s funding support
- 2024-25Earned a net income of Rs 1,88,450 from her integrated farm
Technology and Innovation
Moni did not let mushroom waste go to waste. She converts spent mushroom substrate into vermicompost in six vermibeds. The compost is sold locally and also used on her own fields, cutting input costs and strengthening her natural farming practices.
Achievements and Economic Impact
Today Moni runs an integrated farm, cultivating 200 mushroom bags a year and harvesting 360 to 400 kg of fresh oyster mushroom. In 2024-25, she earned a gross income of Rs 3,07,550 against a total expenditure of Rs 1,19,100, giving a net income of Rs 1,88,450. Fresh mushroom and value-added products together contributed Rs 1,07,000, more than half of her total net income.
Purple bars show mushroom-based enterprises.
Factors Behind Her Success
- Training in mushroom cultivation and natural farming from KVK Udalguri and Bodoland University
- A weighing balance, sealing machine and grinder that enabled value addition and packaging
- Membership of a Farmer Producer Company, which widened her market reach
- A diversified, integrated farm that spreads risk and recycles waste
Future Plans
Moni plans to scale up mushroom production, introduce more value-added products and promote Dhansiri Valley Mushroom Producer Company as a women-led collective.
Conclusion
Moni Deka’s journey from a trainee in 2017 to a successful agri-entrepreneur shows how capacity building and continuous support from institutions like KVK Udalguri and Bodoland University can create sustainable livelihoods and empower rural women. Her story continues to inspire others and sow the seeds of prosperity in the villages of Assam.