Mangaluru: Mushroom Cultivation Training Empowers Community in Nainad

Mangaluru: As part of the LEAD initiative in collaboration with CODP, a Mushroom Cultivation Training Program was successfully held at Nainad parish on February 9. The session aimed to provide participants with essential knowledge and hands-on experience in mushroom farming. Around 35 individuals from various parishes took part in the training, which ran from 10 am to 12:30 pm.

The program began with a prayer service, followed by an inauguration ceremony led by Fr Anil Avil Lobo, parish priest of Nainad. In his speech, he praised the participants for their enthusiasm and expressed gratitude to Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha for his encouragement. He also acknowledged Michael D’Souza for his generous financial support, which made the training possible.

Prasana D’Souza, a leading white mushroom producer from Bajpe, conducted the comprehensive training. The session covered the basics of mushroom cultivation, preparation techniques, and maintenance. Participants engaged in practical learning by preparing cultivation bags under expert guidance. A select group received advanced training, and a partial fee subsidy was offered to make the program more accessible. Mushroom spores were made available for purchase, attracting significant interest.

The program concluded with an interactive Q&A session. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant director of CODP, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the support of Bishop Saldanha, Michael D’Souza, and dedicated team members. The initiative marks a vital step in promoting self-sufficiency and sustainable livelihood skills within the community.

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