In south India eating mushrooms as a part of the regular meal has only become popular in the last ten years.   This is because of improvements in technology and commercial viability of this new product.  Mushroom cultivation has begun with much enthusiasm.  In recent years many people are interested in the training and cultivation of mushrooms. 

Three women from The Center for Working Women attended a training course in a nearby Agriculture College.  They became trainers for the villagers and because of a grant from One Great Hour of Sharing ® the Unemployed Young People's Association (UYPA) are also learning this new skill.

Mushroom cultivation requires little space and can be done inside the house.  A single woman can cultivate mushrooms with waste materials and waste fodder from the farm.  Paddy straw is available in plenty in the villages which is the main raw material for this cultivation.  Seeds are easily available and a woman can earn an income without much strain. 

The woman who have received the training and are growing mushrooms can now earn money that they use to provide for their families.