Raipur, Aug. 16 -- A woman in Chhattisgarh's capital, Raipur, has emerged as a symbol of empowerment by strengthening herself economically and simultaneously generating direct as well as indirect employment for thousands through mushroom farming.

By turning paddy straw into a source of income, Namrata Yadu, a resident of Raipur, has carved a new path to employment and self-reliance through cultivation of mushrooms and is emerging as a role model for agricultural innovation.

Nearly 30 years ago, Namrata started mushroom farming on a small scale and turned agricultural waste like paddy straw, wheat straw, and soybean straw, which are considered a burden, into a source of earning. Presently, the female farmer is not just cultivating differ...