At just twenty, Divya is inspiring a new generation in Uttarakhand by teaching young men and women the art of mushroom farming. Fresh out of Amity College in Noida, she began her career with an NGO in Delhi—though little did she know it would be her last job in the city. Driven by a passion to make a difference, Divya decided to return to her hometown of Chamoli in Garhwal with a mission: to create local employment and empower her community through sustainable agriculture.

Establishing A Home Based Industry ~ 

 Mushrooms Doing The Magic! (Source: Google Images) 

Divya established modest mushroom manufacturing facilities in her hometown of Kot Kandara hamlet in Chamoli four years ago. She now instructs over 1,000 women in mushroom farming annually. According to Divya, the crop has the potential to revolutionize the hill economy and is perfectly adapted to the state's climate.

She says that mushrooms are in high demand both within and outside Uttarakhand due to their nutritional value. However, a significant portion of the crop comes from other states. She adds that mushrooms fetch a good price, with an average of at least Rs 200 per kilogram for button mushrooms in the retail market, highlighting the lucrativeness of the business.

Addressing The Challenge Faced ~ 

Leading Voices Together With a Sense Of Belongingness (Source: Google Images) 

The young exodus to other cities is Uttarakhand's largest problem. However, Divya has turned things around. After fleeing their homes, many locals have begun to return and cultivate mushrooms. Nowadays, the majority of the abandoned homes are used for mushroom cultivation and stocking. In recognition of Divya's dedication, the state government designated her as a brand ambassador to promote mushrooming. Additionally, the Directorate of Mushroom Research, Solan, has given Divya an award ~ Sanjivini Rattan award for Agri-entrepreneur.