Author(s): Anita Patro, Sasmita Behera and Jyoti Ranjan Das

Abstract:
Mushroom cultivation has emerged as one of the most profitable agricultural ventures; however, its adoption among farm women remains limited due to several challenges. The primary aim of this study was to identify the key barriers hindering the adoption of mushroom farming as an enterprise. A secondary objective was to suggest effective strategies to encourage women entrepreneurs to take up mushroom cultivation. The research was carried out in Ganjam and Puri districts of Odisha, focusing on four selected blocks. Within these blocks, eight panchayats were purposefully chosen. A total of 300 respondents were selected using purposive random sampling. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires and subsequently analyzed. The identified constraints were grouped into five major categories: Input-Supply Constraints, Economic Constraints, Social-Personal Constraints, Technical Constraints, and Market Constraints. Statistical tools such as percentages and reliability tests were employed for analysis. The findings revealed several major obstacles, including the unavailability of essential raw materials—especially quality spawn and straw—cumbersome loan procedures, lack of government support, limited awareness of the nutritional benefits of mushrooms, insufficient technical guidance, inconsistent production levels, the perishable nature of mushrooms, and the absence of a regulated market. Based on these findings, the study recommends ensuring the local availability of quality spawn and other inputs, conducting regular training programs, setting up processing units, securing better market prices, and encouraging active government involvement to promote mushroom cultivation as a viable small-scale industry in the region.