“Because of the abrupt lockdown and shut down owing to Covid-19 pandemic, I had to return to my home leaving the workplace. I lost my employment. Livelihood became a big challenge for survival of my family. Covid-19 pandemic ruined all my dreams”, shares Sabitri.

Sabitri Mohanta from Barbir village in Saharapada block of Keonjhar district was working in a Tamil Nadu based private garment company. Somehow, she was managing the needs of her family with the limited income. She was hopelessly wondering, if an alternative option of earning could be available locally.

“I received a call from CYSD’s Citizen Support Centre asking me, if I will be interested to join a training programme on Mushroom Cultivation for an alternative source of livelihoods. I could not control my happiness, immediately I replied, Yes, without any hesitation”, shares Sabitri.  Following the procedures, she registered her name and received a five-day training (from 5-9 October 2020) on Mushroom Growing organized at the RLTC of CYSD in Kapundi. With limited investment she has started her own enterprise. “On an average, I am producing 2 kg of mushrooms per day and selling @200 rupees per kg in local market. Besides, my family consumes the surplus mushrooms as nutrition supplements. Indeed, mushroom cultivation reskilling has given me rebirth. I am planning to set up a permanent enterprise in my village investing some more amount”, says aspiring Sabitri.