The worldwide spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been severely affecting the global economy and as per the recent updates almost one-third to half of the global population have gone through the critical and compulsive lockdown and shut-down for a quite long period. More than one in 10 workers have lost their jobs in just past few months – no work, no pay. Vulnerability has crept into their daily life; unrest like situation has arisen everywhere. The risk is higher particularly for daily wage workers with minimal social security; and the implications on the rural poor and marginalized sections with inadequate economic and social safety nets is severe. They are back to their native villages for a safe life. The surge of returnee migrants to rural pockets of the State throws a challenge of acute unemployment while the agri-allied sector creates an opportunity for these migrants’ engagement to address the zoomed employment crisis.

In this context, CYSD in collaboration with RCRC Network has taken an initiative towards skill development of the returnee migrants. About 150 returnee migrants were identified in Saharpada Block of Keonjhar district through a quick assessment, those who expressed their interest for alternative livelihoods in and around agri-allied sector.

The study reveals that there is demand for mushroom in the local market and has good return on the investment along with additional nutrition supplement. In this process, 83 migrants (53 female & 30 male) who had shown their interest and committed for initiating alternative livelihoods were trained as Mushroom Growers and Spawn Producers. The design of the programme is aligned with NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) framework. The 5 days training programmes conducted in batches by Kalinga Mushroom Research Unit were residential and held at CYSD’s Rural Livelihoods Training Centre at Kapundi in Saharpada Block.