13. Mushroom farming and marginalized / disabled workers:

13.  Mushroom farming and marginalized / disabled workers:

·      Mushrooms are not labor intensive and can be undertaken as an additional livelihood activity which fits around other household or productive tasks.

·      People with physical disabilities are fully capable of accomplishing all necessary tasks in mushroom cultivation, even if some modifications in construction, equipment and tasks are required.

·      People with mental disabilities can also grow mushrooms because several of the key tasks are repetitive and can be easily learned.

·      Mushroom cultivation can also be a feasible livelihood activity for chronically ill or weak people, who may benefit from working in a cooler, shaded environment with minimal physical exertion, in contrast to the more arduous work input often associated with other horticultural products.