Shillong, Nov 20: In the heart of Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills, a district severely affected by human-elephant conflict (HEC), an innovative initiative is taking root to empower local communities and mitigate the challenges they face.

Aaranyak, the region’s premier biodiversity conservation organization, joined hands with the British Asian Trust to organize a transformative capacity-building training on mushroom cultivation.

Held at Bordubi Lower Primary School in Tikrikila Block, the training brought together 25 villagers from nearby communities to explore a sustainable livelihood option that could offset losses caused by human-elephant conflict (HEC). Expert trainer Arpana Rabha led an engaging, hands-on session on cultivating Oyster mushrooms, equipping participants with practical skills and knowledge about mushroom species, cultivation techniques, and the economic potential of this eco-friendly practice.

The session covered everything from understanding mushroom species to mastering cultivation techniques, highlighting the economic and ecological benefits of this practice. To give attendees a head start, seven beneficiaries were provided with 2 kg of mushroom spawn each, enabling them to immediately put their new skills into action.

The programme wasn’t just about growing mushrooms; it was about planting seeds of coexistence. With human-elephant encounters increasingly fraught due to habitat loss and deforestation, initiatives like this aim to provide alternative livelihoods for affected communities while reducing their dependence on activities that encroach upon elephant habitats. Seven participants were also provided with 2 kg of mushroom spawn to jumpstart their ventures, ensuring the training translated into immediate action.

Supported by the Darwin Initiative, this collaboration between Aaranyak and the British Asian Trust is part of a larger effort to address the challenges of HEC in the region. West Garo Hills, one of the most severely affected districts, has witnessed rising tensions as elephants, forced out of their shrinking habitats, raid crops and damage property. This initiative not only empowers villagers economically but also strengthens conservation efforts for the endangered Asian elephants.

Aaranyak’s dedicated team—including Anjan Baruah, Nipul Chakma, Swapan Das, Subash Ch. Rabha, Pankaj Das, and Village Champion Amrit Raba showcased how local partnerships can drive impactful change.

By cultivating mushrooms, these communities are not just improving their livelihoods—they are also cultivating hope for a future where humans and elephants coexist peacefully in the verdant landscapes of Meghalaya.

Read: New frog species discovered in Meghalaya, community reserves in focus

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