𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐋𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲!

Did you know oyster mushroom cultivation is quietly transforming rural livelihoods across Bhutan? With simple materials, basic training, and strong community spirit, farmers are turning this low-cost crop into a nutritious and income-generating opportunity.

These fast-growing mushrooms require minimal labour, thrive in simple sheds, and can fetch up to Nu 250 per kilo in local markets. From youth to elderly farmers, communities are embracing mushroom cultivation as a smart way to diversify income and strengthen food security.

And here’s what makes this story even more exciting!

Recently, a hands-on training was conducted for communities of five chiwogs under Lumang Gewog, led by our Sr. Field Officer, Sonam Jamtsho. A total of more than 100 participants actively took part in learning the practical steps of cultivation.

But what makes Lumang special?

Unlike many areas where rice straw is commonly used as a growing substrate, communities in Lumang are innovatively using maize husks and cobs. Since maize is widely grown and readily available there, this locally available material is being put to smart use instead of rice straw.

Local resources. Local solutions. Lasting impact.

The activity is possible through the project Resilience of Grassroots Communities to Adapt to Climate Change through Agroforestry, funded by Stiftung Drittes Millennium (The foundation for the third millennium).