SHILLONG: Melina Kharkongor and Ainada Rani are part of an all-woman Self Help Group (SHG) in Lawsohtun engaging in organic mushroom cultivation, all by themselves.
Amid the curfew and lockdown, the duo were seen taking care of the nursery under a shed put up by them with the help of SHG members’ contributions.
Melina said they can get 40 kg of mushroom in one harvest. Though the money collected from the sale is not enough to sustain, they still do it as cultivating oyster mushroom is a passion for them.
The cost of 1 kg mushroom is Rs 300 and the profit is shared among the members of the SHG.
At a time when the government is promoting Shiitake mushroom of Japan, the 12 women who represent the SHG Iatyllilang that was formed in August 2019, is making a difference by trying to eke out a living in the absence of any government assistance.
They collect spawn for mushroom cultivation from Upper Shillong where there is a centre for mushroom production. The spawn is sold for Rs 20 per packet.
“During curfew time, some of us carry mushrooms in bamboo baskets and sell them from door to door,” Melina said.
Despite challenges, the SHG wants to carry on with the task hoping for the best.
