Srinagar: KVK Ganderbal organized aTraining cum Demonstration programme on Mushroom Production Technologyin collaboration with Mushroom Research & Training Centre, Division of Plant Pathology, SKUAST-K on 20th September, 2022 at Shuhama. The programme was attended by Scientific and Supporting staff of KVK, scientists from Division of Plant Pathology, SKUAST-K, farmers from across the district especially women and young entrepreneurs.
At KVK, the programme was presided over by Dr. Ishfaq Abidi, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Ganderbal. Dr. Abidi signified the importance of Mushrooms as an important component of a healthy diet. He stressed on the participants to initiate Mushroom Cultivation in their households, which is an important component of IFS model perpetuated by KVK Ganderbal. Steps for scientific cultivation of Button and Dhingri(oyster) Mushroom were deliberated with the participants, as an additional source of income which shall enhance livelihood opportunities for the youth of the District. He further emphasized that mushroom cultivation shall improve the socio-economic conditions of the farming community, as it is a minimum input, maximum output venture. He reiterated that mushroom cultivation can empower the rural women and tackle the issue of nutritional deficiencies in rural households. Dr. Tariq Ahmad Sofi, Assistant Professor,Mushroom Research & Training Centre, Division of Plant Pathology gave a detailed power point presentation regarding Button and Dhingri (oyster) Mushroom cultivation and demonstrated practically step by step process of its cultivation. The farmers were given a thorough hands on training on Mushroom cultivation, stepwise demonstration and field visit to KVKs Mushroom Unit. Dr. Farooq Ahmad Ahanger, SMS Plant Protection, KVK Ganderbal described the use of locally available inputs for low cost Mushroom Cultivation.He also encouraged the farmers to take up Dhingri (oyster) Mushroom cultivation as is it highly remunerative and can be a source of employment for the rural women.
An Interaction Session with farmers and experts was also organized wherein farmers discussed various apprehensions regarding mushroom cultivation at small-scale.The farmers were assured of full technological support from the KVK and University in taking up mushroom cultivation as an enterprise. The participants thanked the KVK for such a comprehensive programme and expressed their desire to start mushroom cultivation at their households. The event ended with vote of thanks by Dr. Farooq Ahmad AhangerSMS Plant Protection .

KR Desk