Pulwama Girl Grows Organic Mushrooms At Home To Study, Support Family

Of the few people that inspire me the most are those that make a life for themselves and become financially independent. Especially when that person is a woman. It gives me immense happiness to know that a woman has gone against the stereotypes of society and is running the entire family on her own. But the instance of this young girl who started organic mushroom farming to support her education and her family.

Recently, a young girl, Neelofar Jaan, from Gangoo village in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district started growing organic mushrooms at home to earn a living and support her family as well as her studies.

Neelofar Jaan ensured a steady income for herself when she took to organic mushroom farming. By selling the homegrown mushrooms, she earns around Rs. 70,000 a year. When speaking to India Today TV, she spoke about how being financially independent made her feel empowered.

Neelofar Jaan, in her interview about her organic mushroom farming practice, said, “I have received training in mushroom cultivation from a local agriculture center. Now, I feel empowered by earning money with which I can support my family and also complete my education.” She also added, “The pandemic-induced lockdown did not affect the sale of my home-grown mushrooms in the market. Also, taking care of the mushrooms was the best engagement for me during this time.”

The fact that this young girl has taken to organic mushroom farming to support her education and her family is truly inspiring. Being financially independent in itself is empowering. It encourages a person to dream and turn those dreams into reality. Being financially independent also makes one self-sufficient. Just like this young girl.