KOONGRAMAM PROJECT
The Koongramam Project is an innovative agricultural initiative launched by Veliyathunadu Service Cooperative Bank Ltd. in Kerala, aimed at revolutionizing mushroom farming. The project focuses on empowering women farmers by providing specialized training, and technical support, and promoting sustainable farming practices. It spans over 5000 households in the Veliyathunadu area, with a select group of households receiving intensive training to become leaders in mushroom farming.
The project features state-of-the-art facilities, including the Agriculture Extension Centre and Mushroom Agri-Processing Unit, which were inaugurated on June 9th, 2024. These facilities support various aspects of mushroom farming, including spawn production, value addition, and market linkages, helping farmers access wholesale and retail markets and increasing their profitability.
Mushroom farming offers numerous benefits, including short growth cycles ideal for small-scale farming, the cultivation of various mushroom varieties such as oysters, buttons, and milky mushrooms, and an economically viable model for farmers in rural and semi-urban areas. The project promotes sustainability through eco-friendly practices like efficient spawn production, substrate development, and waste management.
By integrating self-help groups, Kudumbashree groups, and joint liability groups, the project creates a collective farming model that enhances the economic stability of farmers. The project is funded under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), supported by NABARD and Kerala Bank, and technically Managed by Agronature.
KEY MILESTONES
The Koongramam Project has achieved several key milestones that highlight its growth and impact on mushroom farming