A training workshop on mushroom cultivation to empower local women in the mushroom cottage industry was organized by Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR), here on Tuesday, aimed to create new income opportunities for women by introducing them to the potential of mushroom cultivation.

The workshop was organized by the female faculty of Center of Excellence in Training and Empowerment of Women in Agriculture (CETEWA), PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR), in collaboration with the Rural Development Foundation (RDF), at Pind Bhagwal, Bahara Kahu, Islamabad.

This workshop was part of CETEWA’s broader mission to empower women in agriculture by providing them with training, resources, and opportunities to improve their livelihoods. The collaboration with RDF highlighted the power of partnerships in creating impactful community development programs.

A diverse group of 61 participants attended the workshop, including 39 local female farmers, 6 male participants, and 16 students. Mr. Ammar, PhD scholar from PMAS-AAUR, trained the male participants.

The attendees received hands-on training on how to cultivate mushrooms at home, a skill that could become a sustainable source of income. Participants were also taught innovative methods to transform mushrooms into value-added products such as pickles and fritters, opening up new avenues for entrepreneurship. Mushroom growing kits were distributed among the local women, enabling them to immediately apply the knowledge they gained during the workshop.

Dr. Gulshan Irshad, PMAS-AAUR Faculty member, gave the training and emphasized the significance of such initiatives. Mushroom cultivation was not only an eco-friendly venture but also a highly profitable one, especially for women who are looking for home-based income opportunities. This training was a step towards financial empowerment and skill development,” she remarked. By the end of the session, the workshop not only enriched participants with valuable skills but also ignited hope and inspiration for a brighter, self-sustaining future. As CETEWA and RDF continue their efforts, initiatives like these are set to bring transformative changes to the lives of rural women across the region.