• Adani Foundation’s SLD Project Opens Pathways to Economic Self-Reliance
Raigarh (Bade Bhandar) : The Adani Foundation’s Sustainable Livelihood Development (SLD) project in Raigarh is emerging as a strong platform for the economic and social empowerment of rural women, with mushroom cultivation becoming a key driver of income generation and self-reliance. Under the initiative, women associated with self-help groups have earned over ₹5.51 lakh through mushroom production, marking a significant milestone in community-based livelihood development.
As part of the project, 100 women from 12 villages were trained in the cultivation of oyster and paddy straw mushrooms. Following the training, they received continuous technical support, quality spawn (seeds), raw materials and marketing assistance. This integrated support system has helped women build confidence and generate regular and sustainable income.
Within just two months, the groups produced over 1,000 kg of mushrooms, with a market value of approximately ₹1.60 lakh. Production is ongoing, and incomes are expected to rise further as scale and market linkages expand.
Technology-driven rural entrepreneurship
The initiative promotes the use of modern cultivation techniques, including bamboo-structured units and fogger technology, enhancing productivity and efficiency. Adoption of science-based farming methods has improved both quality and yield, while also building technical skills among rural women and youth.
Environment-friendly and circular economy model
Beyond income generation, the project supports environmental sustainability and circular economy practices. Agricultural waste such as paddy straw and packaging boxes are used as raw material, reducing production costs and the carbon footprint. Post-harvest, the spent substrate is reused as organic manure, strengthening soil health and natural resource conservation.
Value addition and market expansion
To address the issue of mushrooms’ short shelf life, women are also being trained in value-added processing, including the production of dried mushrooms, vadi, papad and pickles. These products are gaining demand in local markets and supermarkets, creating additional income streams and further strengthening household economies.
Future expansion plans
The Adani Foundation is planning to expand the initiative by establishing a model centre for self-help groups and a spawn production unit, which will strengthen the supply chain, reduce external dependency and ensure regular availability of quality inputs in local markets.
Integrated with health, education, environment and community development programmes across 45 villages in Raigarh, the mushroom cultivation project is creating new opportunities for income growth, nutritional security and sustainable livelihoods, positioning rural women as key drivers of grassroots economic transformation.
