10/10/2025
On 29th September 2025, the Bhutan for Life (BFL) team visited Aum Rinzin, one of the progressive and hardworking farmers engaged in commercial shiitake mushroom cultivation under the BFL-supported initiative.
Before the project intervention, her land was mainly used for potato as a mono crop, limiting income opportunities. Through the BFL project’s support, she ventured into shiitake mushroom cultivation — a new and sustainable source of livelihood.
Aum Rinzin shared that shiitake cultivation has significantly enhanced her family’s income and financial security. To date, she has successfully produced around 1,000 kilograms of shiitake mushrooms, selling them to Gyalsung Academy and within the local community. Priced between Nu. 400–450 per kilogram, shiitake has become a reliable source of income for her household.
She proudly mentioned that she no longer worries about small financial needs — whenever she needs extra cash, she can simply begin production again. Once the mycelium has fully spread in the logs, she soaks them in water for 24 hours, and within a week, fresh shiitake mushrooms are ready for harvest and sale.
Today, Aum Rinzin stands as an inspiring example of how innovation, dedication, and the right support can transform livelihoods. She expresses greater confidence and a growing passion for shiitake cultivation over other traditional farming activities.
🌱 This success story highlights the potential of BFL’s interventions in promoting climate-smart, income-generating, and sustainable farming practices for rural communities.
