Prepared by : Abijeet Keshav

Submitted to :HS .Ganesha

Date- 30/07/2021

INTRODUCING THE MPOWERED

VILLAGE PROGRAM WITH A
PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT AND
LIVELIHOODS

Unnao and Jalaon District

Table of Contents

Chapter 1.....................................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................3
1.2 What Mrida does?.............................................................................................................................4
1.3 Objective of the study..................................................................................................................4
1.4 Methodology...............................................................................................................................5
1.5 Chapter-wise plan..............................................................................................................................5
Chapter 2 : Village Profile & Designing the Mpowered Village Program.....................................................5
2.1 Village Name: Kewana.......................................................................................................................5
2.1.1. Demographic.............................................................................................................................6
2.1.2. Education...................................................................................................................................6
2.1.3. Agriculture.................................................................................................................................6
2.1.4. Health........................................................................................................................................7
2.2. Village Name: Kailor..........................................................................................................................7
2.2.1. Demography..............................................................................................................................7
2.2.2. Education...................................................................................................................................7
2.2.3. Agriculture.................................................................................................................................8
2.2.4. Health........................................................................................................................................8
2.3. Village Name -Rudpura.....................................................................................................................8
2.3.1. Demography..............................................................................................................................8
2.3.2. Education...................................................................................................................................8
2.3.3. Agriculture.................................................................................................................................9
2.3.4. Health........................................................................................................................................9
Chapter 3: Livelihood Micro-level initiatives...............................................................................................9
3.1. Introduction & Planting Time for Sugarcane...................................................................................10
3.2. Row to Row Spacing.......................................................................................................................10
3.3. Sugarcane Seed Treatment.............................................................................................................10
3.4. Sugarcane Manure Requirement....................................................................................................10

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 3.5. Sugarcane Fertilizers Requirement.................................................................................................10
3.6. Weed Management of Sugarcane..................................................................................................10
3.7. Water requirement for Sugarcane crops (Irrigation)......................................................................11
3.8. Earthing Up.....................................................................................................................................11
3.9. Propping.........................................................................................................................................11
3.10. Insect-Pest of Sugarcane...............................................................................................................11
3.11. Sugarcane Farming -Post Harvesting............................................................................................11
3.12. Sugarcane Farming -Cost and Profit Analysis................................................................................11
3.13. Sugarcane Farming - Loans and Subsidies....................................................................................13
3.14. Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme (EBP Programme)................................................................13
3.15. Ethanol blending programme in India..........................................................................................13
3.16. Ethanol as biofuel.........................................................................................................................14
3.17. Future Thrusts..............................................................................................................................14
3.18. Recommendation.........................................................................................................................15
3.19. Success story of chunchun
prasad……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..19--23

Chapter: 4..............................................................................................................................................24..5
Economic Empowerment of Rural Women through Mushroom farming in Unnao and Jalaon.................25
4.1. Introduction:...................................................................................................................................25
Harvesting Happiness............................................................................................................................26
4.2. A Guide to growing Mushroom......................................................................................................26
4.3. Requirement for Mushroom cultivation.........................................................................................27
4.4. The Growing Room.........................................................................................................................27
4.4.1. Fruiting.....................................................................................................................................27
4.4.2. Making Compost......................................................................................................................28
4.4.3. Casing......................................................................................................................................28
4.4.4. Cropping..................................................................................................................................28
4.4.5. Harvesting................................................................................................................................28
4.4.6. Bed Preparation.......................................................................................................................28
4.4.7. Mushrooming..........................................................................................................................29
4.4.8. Cost and profit Analysis of seasonal Mushroom farming.............................................................29
4.4.9. Mushroom Farming –Subsidies and Loans for Mushroom Farming.............................................31
4.4.10 How Mushroom farming Empower the women in Jalaon and Unnao district…………………………33
 4.4.11 References

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Abijeet Keshav student of KIIT School of Rural Management,
Bhubaneshwar, has successfully completed case study segment (CSS) ‘Introducing the
MPowered Village Program with a Particular Emphasis on Women’s Empowerment and
Livelihoods’ conducted by Mrida foundation group.

Date: ……30/07/2021….
Signature

Place: …Hyderabad……. Abijeet

keshav

3
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the project work entitled ‘Introducing the MPowered Village Program
with a Particular Emphasis on Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods’ submitted to
KSRM Bhubaneswar, is a record of the original work done by me under the guidance of
Prof.HS.Ganesha. The results embodied in this report have not been submitted to any other
Organization or University.

Date: …30/07/2021………… Signature of

Intern

Place: …Hyderabad………… Abijeet Keshav

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

For the duration of this study I have been fortunate to receive support, encouragement and advice
from a number of people to whom I wish to express sincere gratitude. Firstly, and foremost my
supervisor Arun Nagpal sir,Rahul Gupta sir and Akram sir who has provided constant support,
encouragement and giving inputs to my research segment throughout the study period.

My heartiest thanks to KIIT School of Rural Management and The Director Prof. Nishith Parida,
CSS coordinator, Prof. H.S Ganesha for their throughout support during my CSS internship. I am
grateful to Mrida foundation group for giving us an opportunity to do a study on ‘Introducing
the MPowered Village Program with a Particular Emphasis on Women’s Empowerment
and Livelihoods’.

Thanks to all the Faculty members who gave their valuable inputs. I also like to thank my KSRM
friends for providing help and encouragement in times of need. Particularly I would like thank
Prof. HS Ganesha for his immense support during initial stage of this research.

Also, i would like to thank all the staff from Facilitating Agency for being good facilitators and
constant support in conducting meetings, who also encouraged me time to time for which I am
most grateful. This journey would not have been possible without the support of KIIT School of
Rural Management, who helped me to pursuits and inspired me to follow our dreams.

I would also like to acknowledge the many nameless participants who provided the primary and
secondary data which provided the basis for this research. Finally, I would like to thank to my
family for their encouragement, love and support throughout of this study.

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 Chapter 1

1.1 Introduction
Over the past few years, India has shown record growth in women empowerment and more
women are pursuing their career in entrepreneurship direction and continue to make notable
changes in the entrepreneurial landscape. At a global level, about 16 million women have started
or are running their businesses and whereas in India, there are about 8 million women have
started or are running their businesses. About 37% of formal enterprises are owned by women
around the globe, whereas 10% of formal enterprises in India are being operated by women.
Women were seen as active member in the forefront but also holding strong portfolios in public
and private sectors. Women entrepreneurship over years has changed drastically, the government
support, policies and community support have widened multiple avenues for women to establish
and sustain their ventures.
With the emerging digitalization, education, modernization, globalization, and urbanization,
women are seeking gainful participation in several fields. The overall role and responsibility of
women have transformed from domestic household to financial independence. Entrepreneurship
will enable women to be economically independent, due to social networking; they will develop
self-confidence, awareness, and ability to environmental support. This will lead to an
improvement in not only the women, from the point of view of better health, education, and skill
but an improvement in her living condition also by being able to use cleaner fuel, better house,
better sanitation, facilities, and infrastructural facilities. Going ahead, with the growing help from
Government, Non-Government, and other financial institutions to self-groups, many women
entrepreneurs within the economy can be substantial in the growth of women entrepreneurship.
India needs to strengthen the common line of direction and progression among all policies so that
the result is measurable and comparable and generate larger scale awareness amongst the women
especially in rural areas regarding the schemes and benefits available for them to go on the path
of entrepreneurship.
Encouraging entrepreneurship among women is the most important task to harness the
difficulties of unemployment in society. India has the potential to come up in highly efficient
ranks of women entrepreneurs, but it will take time. The policies will reach to commercialization
stage in due course of time and overall acceptability for women has increased which is a clear-
cut sign for change.

1.2 What Mrida does?

Mrida in Sanskrit means ‘Soil’.Mrida seeks to facilitate sustainable and scalable, holistic
development at the Bottom of the Pyramid. Mrida works in remote rural areas, using agriculture,
energy access, skill development, health, and related interventions as entry points/development
triggers. As a systems integrator and a catalyst, it then uses these triggers to facilitate community
engagement, livelihoods, women’s empowerment, education, and so on, leading to all-round
development.
Vision: Mrida envisions being a model organization with a focus on equitable, sustainable, and
accessible development opportunities for the communities.

Mission: To work in the areas of Women empowerment, Education, Health, and Natural resource
Management through sustainable models.
1.3 The objective of the study
 Create village profile & Designing the Mpowered village program.
 Identify various micro-level livelihood initiatives to generate sustainable income source for
the villagers’ through these livelihood initiatives

1.4 Methodology
Using secondary research design we perform our objectives. The Information is collected
through internet sources and with the help of organization and with the support of various
telephonic /virtual communications with the farmers. Quantitative data was collected for
demography detail, household income, landholding, age, electricity, and water connectivity. The
qualitative study helps in getting a proper understanding of the project and level of activity
currently exist in these Mpowered Village.

1.5 Chapter-wise plan

After the introduction, the next chapter is on the village profile. And, next level is details about
the various micro-level livelihoods interventions and training programs for the proposed
livelihood interventions and connect with the road map of existing government programs and
then create business plans for each intervention that includes training, mentoring, machinery and
rentals in order to establish such training centers that can eventually be converted into production
units. Finally the conclusion and suggestions.

7
 Chapter 2
Village Profile & Designing the Mpowered Village Program

2.1 Village Name: Kewana

2.1.1. Demographic
District: Unnao
Block Name: Nawabganj
Village: Kewana
Division: Lucknow
Language: Hindi and Urdu, Awadhi
Kewana is a village in Nawabganj block in Unnao
district of Uttar Pradesh state. It belongs to Lucknow
Division. It is located 20 km towards east from district
headquarters Unnao and 5km from Nawabganj
and48KM from state Safipur is the nearest city to
Kewana.

2.1.2. Education

Parameter Data

Total Population 4246

Total No of Houses 822
Female Population 47.3%
Total Literacy Rate 55.3%
Female Literacy Rate 21.1%
Scheduled Tribes 0%
Scheduled Caste 24.0 %
Kewana village has lower literacy rate compared to Uttar Pradesh. The literacy rate of Kewana
village was 64.73% compared to 67.68% of Uttar Pradesh. In Kewana, the male literacy rate
stands at 75.64% whereas, the literacy rate stands at 52.49%. Kewana village is administered by
sarpanch (head of the village) who is elected representative of village. Based on the study,
appropriate steps should be taken to make the school well equipped for providing education to
BPL, SC, and other needy people. Also, teachers should be motivated to deliver a lecture at the
panchayat level and aware of the people with regards to financial literacy.
2.1.3. Agriculture
Major crops of the village are wheat, pulse, sugarcane and they also depend on seasonal fruits
and seasonal vegetables. They sell these items to a nearby market (Ajgaon) which is about 1km
from the village. When it comes to irrigation, they are mostly depend on their own water pump.
Most of the farmers have their own 2-4 acres of land. The major source of income in this village
is from agriculture and some of them work in the factory as a wage labor. People still rely on
age-old agricultural practices and use improper tools. No modern technology has been adopted in
this region.

2.1.4. Health
There is no hospital in this village. In the case of an emergency, they are visiting the nearby town
Nawabganj. During this pandemic, ambulances were made available in this village. Peoples are
facing many problem in terms of health facilities-accessibility, availability and affordability.
According to the data, health awareness camp has being conducted every week.

2.2. Village Name: Kailor

2.2.1. Demography
Kailor village is located in Madhogarh tehsil of Jalaun district in Uttar Pradesh . It is situated
4km away from sub-district headquarter Madhogarh. Orai is the district headquarter of Kailor
village. The total geographical area of village is 419.3 hectares. It has a total population of 1793.
There are about 294 houses in this village and Madhogarh is nearest town to Kailor which is
approximately 2km away.
2.2.2. Education
Kailor village has higher literacy rate compared to Uttar Pradesh. Literacy rate of Kailor Village
is 84.28% compared to 67.68% of Uttar Pradesh. In this village, male Literacy rate stands at
91.57% whereas, female literacy rate stands at 76.20 %. Kailor village is administrated by
sarpanch (head of village) who is elected representative of village.
.

9
 Schedule caste (SC) constitutes 14.39 % of total population in Kailor village and doesn’t
have schedule tribe (ST) population. Out of total population, 495 are engaged in work
activities. 83.43 % of workers describe their work as main work (employment or earning
more than 6 months) while16.57% were involved in marginal activity providing
livelihood for less than 6 months. Of 495 workers engaged in main work, 291 were
cultivators (owner or co-owner) whereas, 78 were agricultural laborers.

2.2.3. Agriculture
Major crop of village is Wheat, Tur dal, Sugarcane, Maize, Moong, White gram. Most of
the villagers cultivate their field by either private pump or through ground water. Average
per person land holding is 2 acres.

2.2.4. Health
No hospital is available in the Village.Villagers have to go Madhogarh which is the
neares market.Medical camp is available. Medical facility is very poor.

2.3. Village Name -Rudpura

2.3.1. Demography
Rudpura madhogarh is a village in Madhogarh block at Jalaun district, Uttar Pradesh. It comes
under Jhansi division. It is located 29 km towards north from district headquarters Orai, 7km
from Mhogarh. The local language of this village is Hindi.
Total population is 1270 and number of houses are 218.
2.3.2. Education
In this village there is one primary school. Village literacy rate is 69% and the female literacy
rate is 28.7%.
2.3.3. Agriculture
As per date major source of the village is depend on agriculture and seasonal Vegetables. Mostly
they produce wheat, Gram, Sugarcane, Maize, Moong, Arahar dal. Seasonal vegetables like
Okra, Bringal, Snake Gourd, Soft Gourd, and Cabbage. Major source of agriculture is depend on
private water pump and ground water. Average land holding capacity for the farmers are 2 acres.
Farmers major source of their incomes are depend on the agriculture.
2.3.4. Health
Hospital facility is not available in the Village. Peoples are facing a lots of problems. For any
kind of Medical treatment, they visit the nearby market. Medical camps are being organized on a
weekly basis. During this pandemic, ambulance are also available in the village.

Chapter 3: Livelihood Micro-level initiatives

11
3.0 Introduction

Sugarcane belongs to the bamboo family of plants and is indigenous to India. It is the main
source of sugar, gur, and khandsari. About two-thirds of the total sugarcane produced in India is
consumed for making gur and khandsari and only one-third of it goes to sugar factories. It also
provides the raw material for manufacturing alcohol and ethanol.

Bagasse, the crushed cane residue, can be more beneficially used for manufacturing paper
instead of using it as fuel in the mills. It is also an efficient substitute for petroleum products and
a host of other chemical products. A part of it is also used as fodder. Sugarcane accounts for the
largest value of production and holds an enviable position among all the commercial crops in
India. Obviously, it is the first choice of the farmers, Uttar Pradesh========== geographical
conditions favor its growth.

3.1. Planting Time for Sugarcane

• Spring season:  Mid February to end of March
• Autumn season:  Last fortnight of September to first fortnight of October

3.2. Row to Row Spacing

• 75 cm in less fertile soil, late planting and under drought condition.
• 90 cm in fertile soil and under spring season.
• 120 cm during the autumn season along with intercrops
3.3. Sugarcane Seed Treatment
• Always use disease free quality seeds for planting.
• Treat the seeds for 5 minutes in 0.1% Carbendazim (100 g in 100 litres of water) before
planting.
• Seed crop: Treat the seeds in Moist Hot Aerated Therapy unit at 540C for one hour.
•  
 3.4. Sugarcane Manure Requirement
Apply FYM or compost @ 4-5 tonnes /acre. Grow green manure crop like Dhaincha (13 kg
seed /acre) or green gram (6 kg seed/ acre) before taking sugarcane and incorporate in situ using
tractor-drawn disc harrow. Soil application of Azospirillum or Glucanoacetobactor @ 4
kg/acre+Phosphobacteria @ 4 kg/acre in two split doses at 30 and 60 days after planting.
 
3.5. Sugarcane Fertilizers Requirement
Apply fertilizers as per soil test report or State Govt. recommendation or follow a blanket dose of
60: 20:20 kg NPK /acre for plant crop and 90: 20: 20 kg NPK/acre for ratoon.
• Apply 50 kg DAP and 33 kg MOP /acre before planting in furrows.
• Also apply 50 kg urea/acre at 45 days after planting.
• Apply 50 kg urea/acre at 90 days after planting and give earthing up.

3.6. Weed Management of Sugarcane

• Repeated ploughing before planting sugarcane and crop rotation with paddy would
minimize weed problem. In highly weed infested area irrigate the field (or submerge)
after ploughing. The weeds emerged out are got killed by spraying Paraquat @ 2.5
ml/litre water (non-selective contact herbicide). If the perennial weeds like Haryali
grasses (Cynodon) and motha (Cyprus) are emerging spray Glyphosate (non-selective
systemic herbicide) @ 2.5 ml/litre water instead of Paraquat.

13
 • Immediately after planting apply pre-emergence herbicide Atrazine @ 2 kg/acre in 350-
400 litre water. If vegetables, pulses, and oilseeds are intercropped with sugarcane, do not
use Atrazine. In this case, spray either Metribuzin (Sencor) @ 0.3 kg /acre or Alachlor or
Oxyfluorfen (Goal) @
• Litre/acre. In wheat + sugarcane cropping system use Isoproturon (Garaminon) @ 0.4 kg
a.i./acre.
• Hand weeding at 45 days after planting followed by two-time intercultural practices at 60
and 90 days will control weeds.
• Post-emergence application of 2,4-D @ 0.4 kg/acre or 1 litre/acre will control dicot
weeds (broad-leaved weed) in standing crop. If the problems of Cyprus persists use
Ethoxy Sulfuron (sunrise) @150 g/acre along with 2, 4-D.
 
3.7. Water requirement for Sugarcane crops (Irrigation)
• At 10 days interval during pre-monsoon season
• As per the need during monsoon season.
• At 25 days interval during post-monsoon season.
 
3.8. Earthing Up
• Light/partial earthing up at 90 days after planting.
• Final earthing up during June end or before the onset of monsoon.
 
3.9. Propping
• First propping during July or August depending on the growth of a crop.
• Second propping during August ends or before the 2nd fortnight of September.
 
3.10. Insect-Pest of Sugarcane
• At the time planting: Using a rose can apply 2-litre Chlorpyriphos per acre in 350-400
litre water over the seeds placed on furrows to control termite and early shoot borer.
• During April to July: During April-May give root drenching of Rynayxypyr 20SC @ 150
ml/acre with 400-litre water to control top borer or apply Carbofuran @ 13 kg/acre
during last week June or first week of July.
• During August: If root borer problem is noticed apply Chlorpyriphos @ 2 litres/acre with
400 liters.
• Follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
 
3.11. Sugarcane Farming -Post Harvesting
 The harvested canes should be crushed within 24 hours and this method is called grinding
 Grinding is done with rollers and during this process, hot water is sprayed to extract the
entire sugar from the canes.
 The raw sugar that is obtained is collected in bulk and stored in terminals and then sent to
the refineries.

15
3.12. Sugarcane Farming -Cost and Profit Analysis
 The estimation of production cost for small farmland in terms of Rs/ha.
 The area of the farm and the material cost in that area are contributing factors for a
change in the cost of investment.

Cost of operation Investment in (Rs/ha)

Preparation of the land 6000.00
sowing 3000.00
Application of manure 500.00
and fertilizers
Irrigating the land 1000.00
Intercultural activity 10000.00
Protection of plants 1000.00
Harvesting 15000.00
Transport facility 5000.00
Total cost 41500.00

Cost of materials Investment in (Rs/ha)

Seeds 10000.00

Manure and Fertilizer 7000.00

Plant protection needs 5000.00

Irrigation equipment1 10,000.00

Total cost 32000.00

*Irrigation equipment cover diesel cost.

 The rent of the land : Rs. 30000 ( may vary depending on the area of the farm)
 One small farm produces sugarcane : 500 quintals
  The rate of 1 quintal of sugarcane : Rs.315
 The total value of sugarcane produced : Rs.157500.00
 Total investment: Rs.73500.00
 The return on investment (profit) : Rs. 84000.00
 External factor is excluded
3.13. Sugarcane Farming - Loans and Subsidies
 The cabinet committee on Economic affairs has recently approved a production subsidy
of Rs 55 per tonnes of sugarcane farmers.
 The central government under the scheme of sustainable development on sugarcane base
cropping system (SUBACS) provides 25% subsidy per activity to the farmers.
3.14. Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme (EBP Programme)
Ethanol is an agro-based product, mainly produced from a by-product of the sugar industry,
namely molasses. In years of surplus production of sugarcane, when prices are depressed, the
sugar industry is unable to make timely payment of cane price to farmers. The Ethanol Blended
Petrol Programme (EBP) seeks to achieve blending of Ethanol with motor sprit with a view to
reducing pollution, conserve foreign exchange and increase value addition in the sugar industry
enabling them to clear cane price arrears of farmers.

The Central Government has scaled up blending targets from 5% to 10% under the EBP. The
procedure of procurement of ethanol under the EBP has been simplified to streamline the entire
ethanol supply chain and remunerative ex-depot price of ethanol has been fixed. To facilitate
achieving of new blending targets, a "grid” which networks distilleries to OMC depots and
details quantities to be supplied has been worked out. State-wise demand profile has also been
projected, keeping in view distances, capacities and other sectoral demands. Excise duty was
waived on ethanol supplies to OMCs for EBP by sugar mills.

3.15. Ethanol blending programme in India

India is the second largest producer of sugarcane next to Brazil. Over 50 million people in India
are associated with sugarcane cultivation and sugar industry for their livelihood. Presently, about
5 million ha of land is under sugarcane production. The average yield is around 70 tons ha. There
are about 453 working sugar mills with an average capacity of 35,000 tons crushed/day. Sugar
industry in India is well diversified and involved in business of power generation and ethanol
production as well. According to National Policy on Biofuels (NPB) 2009, 5% ethanol blending
in petrol is mandated for the petrol vehicles in the transportation sector almost across the
country. Also an indicative target of minimum 20% ethanol-blended petrol across the country
has been set. The policy proposed that the minimum purchase price (MPP) for bioethanol should
be based on the actual cost of production and import price of bioethanol. However, preparedness
of the automobile industry is a major factor in the successful implementation of this policy as the
conventional vehicles are mostly compatible with 5% ethanol blended petrol, with almost no
serious environmental implications. A blending of less than 10% has a few disadvantages but
there is no need to modify the engine. Blends above 15% ethanol, however, require engine
modifications. With the aim to encourage domestic production of ethanol National Biofuel
Policy was launched under ethanol blending programme in the country. The Indian approach to

17
bio-fuels is based on non-food feedstock to deliberately avoid a possible conflict between food
and fuel.

3.16. Ethanol as biofuel

Although the calorific value of ethanol is lower than that of petrol; it has certain other advantages
compared to petrol. Its vapour pressure is lower than that of petrol, resulting in lower evaporative
emissions while its flammability is also lower than that of petrol, reducing the risk of vehicles
catching fire. Besides there is no gum formation associated with ethanol, and anti-oxidants and
detergent additives are not required. Other advantages of ethanol are that it improves the octane
number. This is the reason for its use as a 100% fuel in Brazil E 85 (a blend of 85% ethanol and
15% petrol) also has fewer volatile components than petrol, which means fewer emissions from
evaporation. Ethanol is also a cleanser and keeps the engine clean thereby improving the life of
engines. Researches carried out by the public sector oil companies in India showed that the fuel
efficiency improves significantly at 5% blending with petrol. Therefore, the consumers gain with
better mileage per litre, longer life of engine besides lower environmental pollution. Since
ethanol is an anti-freeze, it will benefit consumers in cold climates. In the country, ethanol
production is mainly done using sugarcane molasses. It is made by fermentation of sugars. The
enzymes from yeast change simple sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide. Potable ethanol and
more than half of industrial ethanol is made by this process. The short supply is met through
imports for the industrial sectors. As per the industry sources ethanol production in India is
almost entirely through the final grade molasses. About one liter ethanol is extracted from 4 kg
of molasses.

In earlier times, sugar mills used to sell molasses at a throw away price to potable ethanol and
other industries. However, now it is of importance to sugar producers as well as oil companies
and overall oil economy of country. The directives of National Biofuel Policy provided an
opportunity to sugar mills to diversify through distillery, ethanol and power plants. This has
improved the demand for molasses and ensured better economics for the mills. Most of this
ethanol is coming from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, followed by Karnataka, Andhra
Pradesh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The industry has constraints in form of delays in obtaining
permits, restrictions on interstate movements and ban on processing of cane juice for ethanol
production. On an average one tonne of sugarcane crop provides a good revenue (` 4,200) to the
government through various taxes and cess imposed on cane production and its products and the
farmers get (3000) from factories. In case ethanol is produced directly from cane juice, the
government loses this amount. This is one of the main reasons that millers/farmers are not
allowed to produce ethanol from sugarcane juice. However, it is being increasingly emphasized
that for better utilization of the infrastructure and profitability of sugar mills the constraints are
removed and ban on using cane juice directly for ethanol.

3.17. Future Thrusts

Despite the national policy on biofuels in place and fixing the price of ethanol in the range of
48.50 to 49.50/litre; the target set in the policy has not been achieved. There is need of
revamping of this policy and also facilitation of an environment to support a strong bioethanol
blending programme in the country by removing the present constraints. This will not only
reduce India’s dependence on fossil fuel imports but also ensure energy sufficiency. Apart from
lesser emphasis from present sugarcane centric policy where some proportion of sugarcane juice
is permitted for ethanol; thrusts on the development of second generation biofuels (energy crops,
agricultural residues, residential wastes) and third generation biofuels (algae cultured in waste
water or sea water)will provide energy security.

3.18. Recommendation
A stable ethanol blending programme in the country will ensure sustainable benefits to the
sugarcane farmers, who are frequently affected in bumper sugarcane crops and its lack of market
demand. Such incentives will motivate small- and medium-farmers to increase their efforts
towards scientific management sugarcane of crop as there will be better returns.

3.19 Success story of (CHUNCHUN PRASAD)

Sitaram, a farmer from Kewana village in the Unnao district of Uttar pradesh, owned 30 acres of
ancestral land. As a local sugar mill was giving a reasonable price for sugarcane, he started
growing the crop. He was able to grow about 25 to 30 tonnes of sugarcane per acre, but his
dream was to reach up to 100 tonnes from the land, but it remained unfulfilled. Years later his
son, chunchun prasad has fulfilled his dream by growing 100 tonnes of sugarcane in just one
acre. Each of these sugarcanes is more than 20 ft. long and weighs almost 4 Kg each.

Ideal bed for sugarcane plantation

19
Once the land is ready, deep drains that are about 10 inches to 1 feet, are dug at a distance of
almost 5 to 6 feet from each other. It is essential to put the fertilisers on the side of the drain
where sunrays fall directly.

“In the traditional method of planting sugarcane, he would keep the distance between two drains
up to 2 .5 feet, but he realised that keeping a gap of 5 to 6 feet gives them required space to
grow.
The seeds of success
For a good crop it is very important to select the right seeds. chunchun suggests that farmers take
up one eye seeds of sugarcane of best quality. He then recommends that they wash the seeds with
a mixture of 20% chloro in one litre of water, then two gm of bavistin in one-litre of water and
finally 5-10 millilitre of germinator in one-litre water. These seeds are then planted in the drains
by making a quench in the drains of about 3 inch deep at a distance of 2.5 feet each.

Use fertilizers but in Optimum amount

21
chunchun informed us that plants need fertilisers, but one has to take care of the quality and the
right way of using them. He digs a small quench near the space where the seed has to be planted
and puts the essential fertilisers right at the roots of the plant and covers it carefully with the soil.
This technique ensures the plant gets all the nutrients from its roots. While sharing the entire
process of the plantation to harvesting of the sugarcane, chunchun prasad tells us how it is a
result of continuous efforts wherein he keeps nourishing the plants right from the day of

planting.

On the 30th day of the plantation when the sprouts are visible, he puts a mixture of various
nutrients at the root of each plant by digging a small quench around it and then covers them too.

This process has to be repeated on day 65, day 85, day 105, day 135, day 165 and finally on day
225. One also has to keep removing the dead leaves from the plants as and when required.
Chunchun prasad has created a sugarcane seed-plot of the best quality seeds, which are in
demand in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. He made a profit of around ₹7 lakh
from his first crop this year and is hoping to excel this record in the coming years.

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 Chapter: 4
Economic Empowerment of Rural Women through Mushroom Farming
in Unnao and Jalaon District

4.1. Introduction:
Mushroom farming is one of the most profitable agri-business that we can start with a low
investment and less space in Uttar Pradesh. Mushroom cultivation in India is growing gradually
as an alternative source of income for many people. In India, Uttar Pradesh is the leading
producer of mushrooms followed by Tripura and Kerala. Mushrooms are type of fungi, which
are consumed as food. Mushroom consumption and cultivation are old practices started some
thousands of years ago. 20 different species of mushrooms are commercially cultivated around
the world. Mushrooms have gained recognition in the food chain because they contribute nutrient
supplements to the food and have high medicinal and pharmaceutical value .Mushrooms are
believed to have high protein content and sometimes are known as “vegetable meat” .They have
very low levels of carbohydrate and fat. Mushrooms also contains polysaccharides, vitamins and
minerals comparable to other fruits and vegetables. The second major importance of mushrooms
is its wide use in preparing medicines. The acceptance of mushrooms medicine in the form of
tablets and capsules along with greater customer satisfaction has increased the demand for the
mushroom industry further. The white button mushroom is a commercially cultivated variety
throughout the world contributing to 40% of the total mushrooms production market. Valley
regions are suitable for button mushroom cultivation and the materials required are easily
available in the local market. The cultivation of mushroom on a commercial scale requires both
indoor and outdoor preparations.

As State Government programmes aimed at getting more people, especially homemakers into
mushroom farming get underway, she expects a glut in production. In such a situation value-
added products could circumvent the problem. Especially since mushrooms spoil easily and
cannot be stored for long.

Mushrooms require temperatures between 25-28 degrees Celsius (not lower than 22 degrees),
and more than 80% humidity, making monsoon (June) and the period up to January ideal for
cultivation. Grow beds made of perforated plastic bags filled with sawdust (of softwood such as
rubber) or straw are hung in a cool, dark room in which the seeds are planted. Straw beds are
ideal for small farmers, while sawdust is for large-scale farmers. One bed harvested for three
months, once every 15-20 days (roughly three-four times), yields an average of 700-800 grams,
more than a kilogram in cooler climes. The mushroom bed can be used as manure for plants after
its life cycle.

Harvesting Happiness
Mushrooms’ cultivation is an actively growing business in Uttar Pradesh. One of the factors why
young people are being attracted towards mushroom farming is due to the short time period
between cultivation and harvesting where they do not require much more initial investment and
can be grown with locally available resources. In fact, most of the farmers did not have strong
economic background, so they had to take loans and wanted to repay it as soon as possible.
Therefore, mushroom farming gave them a quick prof.
The mandate of the Mushroom Development Unit in Uttar Pradesh to promote the cultivation
and consumption of mushrooms in the state, mainly the oyster mushroom; as well as create
employment opportunities in order to create sustainable income source in rural communities
especially amongst women and the youth.  Its major objectives are:
 To increase the production and consumption of mushrooms.
 To help create new employment opportunities for rural women and the youth through
mushroom cultivation.
 To empower rural communities with entrepreneurial skills through the production and
sale of mushrooms.
 To ensure adequate and satisfactory supply of spawn to rural communities involved in
mushroom production.

4.2. A Guide to growing Mushroom

Oyster mushrooms can be produced from a wide array of agricultural waste material, which
makes them the easiest mushrooms grown. In addition, simple and basic equipment can be used
allowing the technology of mushroom farming to be suitable for both rural and semi-urban
conditions. Prevailing structures can be modefied to suit the required conditions. Not only are
oyster mushrooms easier to cultivate, they also take a relatively short period to mature; some
species are known to be ready for harvesting 3 to 4 after spawning.

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4.3. Requirement for Mushroom cultivation
 Growing substrate Bleach
 Clean water
 Hard surface for mixing
 Pasteurized equipment
 Firewood (optional)
 Matsches
 Spawn (seed)
 Rake
 Incubation room
 Containers for harvesting
 Bleach
 400/drum
 Chopping instrument
 Wicker lamp or candle
 Wire rod
 String or rubber band
 Fork
 Watering can with perforated nozzle
 Growing room
 Weighing scale
4.4. The Growing Room

4.4.1. Fruiting
The growing room is where fruiting takes place. The bags that has been closed and kept in a dark
warm place must now be introduced into an environment that would trigger fruiting. The
environment in the growing room should be humid, cool and have minimum light. A layer of
sand, which should be watered regularly, can be applied on a rough slab to prove humidity. The
bags must be kept in this room for a least 2 days before being opened. Bags may be opened on
both ends if they are to be stacked on shelves. Holes are punctured around bags if they are to be
left standing on the shelves or suspended from the roof. The entire plastic bag should not be
removed to prevent substrate from drying up. If the conditions are conducive, mushroom
pinheads should start appearing 3 to 5 days after bag opening. Mushrooms may be ready for
picking 2 to 3 days later.
Mushrooms have a very short life span and should be harvested before the caps crack and curl
upwards. Gentle twist mushrooms from the base of substrate making sure that no fragments
remain attached to the substrate as this may attract mushroom flies and act as entry points for
containers.
4.4.2. Making Compost
The first step to grow mushrooms is composting that is done in the open. Compost yard for
button mushroom farming is prepared on clean, raised platforms made of concrete. They should
be raised so that the excess water does not get collected at the heap. Though the composting is
done in the open, they should be covered to protect from rain water. Compost prepared is of 2
types - natural & synthetic compost. The compost is made in trays of dimensions 100x50x15cm

4.4.3. Casing
Casing soil is made by mixing finely crushed and sieved, rotten cow dung with the garden soil.
The pH should be on the alkaline side. Once ready, the casing soil has to be sterilized to kill the
pests, nematodes, insects & other molds. Sterilization can be done by treating it with formalin
solution or by steaming. After the casing soil is spread on the compost the temperature is
maintained at 25⁰C for 72 hours & then lowered to 18⁰C. One thing to Remember that casing
stage requires a lot of fresh air. Therefore the room must have sufficient ventilation facilities
during the casing stage.

4.4.4. Cropping
After 15 to 20 days of the casing, the pinheads start becoming noticeable. White-colored, small-
sized buttons start developing within 5 to 6 days of this stage. Mushrooms are ready for
harvesting when the caps are placed tight on the short stem.

4.4.5. Harvesting
During harvesting, the cap should be twisted off gently. For this, you need to hold it gently with
the forefingers, press against the soil & then twist off. The base of the stalk in which mycelial
threads & soil particles cling should be chopped off.

4.4.6. Bed Preparation

Since the mushrooms are cultivated on raised platforms, the foundations made of bricks & soil
ought to be raised. The size must be a little larger than the bedding and should be strong enough
to hold the weight of the bed. A bamboo frame of the size of the foundation is put on top of the
foundation. At least 4 bundles from the soaked straw is put on the frame. Another 4 bundles are
located but with the loose ends in the opposite direction. These 8 bundles together make up the
1st layer of bedding. Around 12 cm away from the 1st layer, the grain spawn is scattered.

After the last layer is made, cover the whole bed with a transparent plastic sheet. However proper
care must be taken to make sure that the sheet is not in contact with the bed.

27
4.4.7. Mushrooming
Usually, mushrooms begin to grow within 10 to 15 days of spawning. They continue to grow for
the next 10 days. Once the volva erupts & the mushroom inside is exposed, the crop is ready for
harvesting. These mushrooms being very fragile have a very short shelf life hence they must be
consumed fresh.
4.4.8. Cost and profit Analysis of seasonal Mushroom farming

29
  Fixed Assets : Rs. 44200
Interest and depreciation on fixed assets @ 12 & 5% respectively – 7514
Cost of raw materials and labour - Rs 98870
Total cost of production - Rs 106384
Mushroom production per shed - 3000 kg
Income by selling @ Rs 70/kg - Rs 2, 10,000/-
Net profit per shed (210000-106384) - Rs 103616
4.4.9. Mushroom Farming –Subsidies and Loans for Mushroom Farming
 Trained mushroom cultivators are extended loans after preparing the project report for the
cultivation process which has to be approved by the national bank for agriculture and
rural development (NABARD). These cases are then recommended to the nationalized
banks for processing the required loan amount.
 The National Horticulture Board also provided assistance to the mushroom farmers in the
form of credit linked bank-end -subsidy. The subsidy amount is 20% of the total project
cost.
 The state government also provides subsidies to the mushroom farmers so as to
encourage the unemployed youth. The subsidy on compost is given for maximum of 400
trays @20-40/tray .100% subsidy is given for the transport of compost.
 The Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana provide assistance of Rs .80, 000 for the construction
of a mushroom house of dimension 2oft *12ft*10ft.

4.4.10 .How Mushroom Farming can Empower the women in Jalaon and Unnao
district
Empowerment of women and gender equality recognized globally as a key element
to achieve progress in all areas since they are multifaceted, multidimensional and
multilayered concept. Women constitute almost half of the total population of the
world and out of this two third of world adult illiterates are women.
Entrepreneurship development and income generating activities are a feasible
solution for empowering women. Suitable enterprises of women will not only enable
them to get better jobs and in becoming economically self reliant and independent
but society will also be benefitted. In the present era, mushroom farming is a
profitable enterprise since per unit productivity of mushroom is several folds high
than any other crop.

• Mushroom farming has been identified as a profitable enterprise which can lead to
integrate rural development by increasing the income and self employment.
• By adopting mushroom farming as a profession, there is no need to go outside
home for work as sufficient work opportunity is available at home
• Mushroom farming has been identified as a suitable and most profitable enterprise
since per unit productivity of mushroom is several folds high than any other crop
 • Various tools & techniques are used for converting agricultural waste into protein
rich non-conventional food items
• Attempt should be taken for skill development among rural women in the field of
mushroom farming so that they could start their own entrepreneurial units using
low cost thatched houses
• Mushroom constitutes low calorie but nutritious diet as it is rich in protein,
vitamins and essentials minerals and hence they are considered as a best food for
patients having diabetes, hypertension, heart attack, obesity, anaemia, cancer and
constipation etc. Hence adoption of mushroom farming apart from solving
malnutrition problem in rural masses also lead to rural development by increasing
income and self employment particularly among women.
• A personal interview technique using structured questionnaire should be used to
collect the information and data.
• A suitable schedule consisting of various questions on the basis of lesson plan
should be prepare for the training programme .
• Mushroom farming is efficient means for conversion of agricultural wastes into
valuable proteins and presents huge potential for generating additional income
and employment to the rural women.
• Motivate the rural women to adopt mushroom farming so as to get employment at
home as there was no need to go out side in search of work and to get easy
employment was the next important aspect.
• Women can do mushroom cultivation because of quick monetary gains . Beside
this comparatively more return from mushroom cultivation was also a chief
motivational factor. Women may also found lured towards this farming because
of getting additional income.
• Motivational factor might be that mushroom starts giving production after 18 to
25 days of spawning, one can sell it and earn within a short span of duration
• Though the lack of formal literacy and technical terms may be act as a barrier in
the dissemination of scientific information, functional knowledge communication
should be in a simple language with the help of suitable media mix. The action
research team should provide the scope for the trainees to see through the
problems and get the solution right in the training situation .
• Various activities should be taken to clear understanding about the mushroom
farming like :
a) Vocational trainings
b) Demonstration
c) Mushroom days Exhibition Visit to mushroom melas Establishing and
monitoring of mushroom
d) Success stories

 Mushroom production is an indoor activity using vertical space hence does not
require agricultural land thus suited to small farmers, farm women and landless
labourers .

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  Many agricultural wastes can be utilized to produce quality food and organic manure in
field crops. Besides mushrooms have high biological efficiency i.e. conversion of dry
substances into fresh mushroom .

 It can generate self employment, alleviate poverty and improve socio economic status of
women and youth in the rural areas.

References

 https://dfpd.gov.in/sugar.htm
 https://www.startupbusinessidea.com/sugarcane-juice-plan-
machine-price-cost-investments-profit/
 https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/govt-
notifies-modified-scheme-on-ethanol-production-to-assist-
distilleries-121011401370_1.html
 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/agriculture/sustainability-
increases-if-ethanol-is-made-from-sugarcane-juice-study-72638
 https://www.apnikheti.com/en/pn/agriculture/horticulture/vegetabl
e-crops/mushroom
 https://www.agrifarming.in/tag/mushroom-cultivation-in-uttar-
pradesh