The first week of the project took place in Dewaling, Bumthang where they were immersed in GNH sessions, lectures in food sustainability, agricultural practices, guided  meditation sessions and mindfulness practices. They were also involved in a transformative learning process through community activities and stories of traditional farming practices  from the local farmers. Upon completion of the  theoretical and practical sessions on oyster mushroom cultivation, a total of 80 bales were made by the trainees.  

The highlight of the training was a brief visit by the Honorable Prime Minister during his official eastern tour and the Centre was honored to be included in their programme. The Prime Minister took time to interact with our trainees and encouraged them on taking agricultural activities as a potential livelihoods option.

The group traveled to the Agricultural Research and Development Centre (ARDC), Bajo for a 5 day hands on programme where they engaged in practical sessions preparing various fertilizers like rice husk biochar, bamboo wood vinegar, fermented cattle urine, open air-pit biochar, boksahis and regular manure. They also learnt about different fruit harvests and seed extraction processes.

Since the training started in October 2021, the Centre has successfully trained 27 youth from various parts of the nation. A total of 3 independent farms are in the process of starting activities and the Taktse College will start their very own mushroom farm in their college by September 2022.