Impact of Training in Mushroom Production Technology on Knowledge and Adoption among Women in Hilly Regions: Insights from the Farmer First Project in Uttarakhand

Abstract

The present study aims to assess the impact of the training program on the change in knowledge and adoption level of mushroom cultivators of mid hills of Uttarakhand. ICAR-funded Farmer FIRST program operated by GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, is supporting mushroom cultivation and processing as an enterprise to double the farmers’ income through enhancing their livelihood opportunities. Dogra and Suryatala villages of Nainital district were selected under the Farmer FIRST program to be promoted as “Mushroom Village.” The present study was conducted to see the impact of its training program on mushroom production technology for hill women. It was found that the majority of beneficiaries had a higher level of knowledge compared to non-beneficiaries across various aspects of mushroom cultivation. Regarding the adoption of mushroom production technology, beneficiaries exhibited a higher rate of adoption across various practices compared to non-beneficiaries.