Gender friendly Technologies Mushroom cultivation for Farm Women in Meghalaya

Abstract

Meghalaya, a resource-rich yet economically challenged state in Northeast India, presents a compelling case for inclusive and sustainable agricultural innovation through mushroom cultivation particularly oyster mushrooms. This paper explores the socio-economic potential of mushroom farming in enhancing rural livelihoods, especially for women, by analyzing studies, case reports, training programs, and government interventions. With low land requirements, high returns, and nutritional benefits, mushroom cultivation emerges as a gender-sensitive, climate-resilient agri-enterprise ideal for smallholders. Case studies from West Garo Hills and Ri Bhoi highlight how women farmers benefit from targeted training, digital tools, and support infrastructure. The study also identifies challenges such as post-harvest perishability, limited access to credit and digital platforms, and gender-based resource disparities. It recommends a multi-pronged approach scaling up nanotechnology and cold storage innovations, fostering women-led cooperatives, and integrating ICT tools for training and market linkage. The research underscores the importance of embedding gender equity into policy and technology frameworks to transform mushroom farming into a vehicle for rural transformation and women’s empowerment in Meghalaya