As part of the DST–Vigyandhara-4305 project titled “Enhancing Livelihood Security of Small-Holder Farm Women of Karnataka through Horticultural Interventions Using Pluralistic Extension Approaches,” an off-campus training programme on “Mushroom Production Technologies” was conducted at Byrappanahalli village, Chikkaballapura district, on 01.12.2025. The programme aimed to create awareness among farm women about the nutritional value, health benefits, and income-generating potential of mushroom cultivation.

During the training, participants were introduced to the importance of mushrooms as a rich source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre. Various aspects of mushroom production were explained to the farmers. The sessions enabled farmers to understand how mushroom cultivation can serve as a viable enterprise for nutritional security and livelihood enhancement.

To encourage hands-on learning and promote future adoption at a commercial scale, RTF Mushroom Bags were distributed to the trainees. This initiative enabled farmers to practice mushroom cultivation at home and gain confidence in taking up the activity as a sustainable income-generating venture.

Further, on 05.12.2025, a field demonstration of the Arka Onion Seeder developed through a participatory approach was conducted in the same village. The demonstration highlighted the key advantages of the seeder, particularly its ability to save 30–40 percent of seeds through uniform and precise placement, and reduce labour requirements for sowing by nearly 60–70 percent. The equipment significantly lowers the cost of cultivation by minimising labour and input use while also enabling faster sowing, which supports timely field operations. The use of the Arka Onion Seeder results in more uniform crop establishment, improved plant stand, and potentially higher yields, in addition to offering better operational efficiency when used with a tractor in creeper gear..

A total of 30 participants attended the programme. This programme was coordinated by Dr. Ramya H.R. (PI of the Project) and Dr. A. Carolin Rathinakumari (Co-PI of the Project).