100 farmers, youth from Kupwara participate in transformative initiative at KVK Malangpora

Awantipora: In a bid to transform rural livelihoods and promote self-sufficiency, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra/Extension Training Centre Malangpora Pulwama, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, organised a significant one-day awareness and popularization program titled “Mushroom Cultivation as a Source of Livelihood Security.”
Held at the KVK Malangpora Auditorium in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, this initiative emerged as a beacon of hope for over 100 educated rural youth and progressive farmers from Kupwara district, keen on exploring the untapped potential of mushroom farming.
At the heart of this program was the profound mission to not just impart knowledge but to instill self-reliance. The goal was to acquaint participants with the multifaceted aspects of mushroom cultivation, from the basics of growing mushrooms to the intricate scientific methods of processing and value addition.
Through a meticulously planned training agenda, the participants were guided by experts and scholars from renowned institutions, including the esteemed Director Extension SKUAST-Kashmir, Professor Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, who graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Agricultural Empowerment for Rural Youth
One of the key drivers behind this program was the pressing need to create employment opportunities, particularly in the rural landscape where employment options are limited. The focus was on equipping rural youth with the skills and knowledge necessary for mushroom farming, a venture that not only promises economic prosperity but also plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security.
Scientific Insights and Practical Knowledge
The event unfolded in two insightful technical sessions, where Dr. Waseem Ali Dar and other seasoned experts delved deep into the scientific nuances of mushroom cultivation. The participants were treated to a comprehensive overview, ranging from understanding the intricacies of mushroom growth to the intricacies of processing and preservation. Through interactive lectures and practical demonstrations, the attendees gained valuable insights into the entire cultivation process, both in theory and practice.
Government Support and Entrepreneurship
Central to the discourse was the pivotal role played by government initiatives in fostering entrepreneurial ventures among the youth. Dr. Javaid Ahmad Mugloo, Professor and Head of KVK Pulwama, emphasized the significance of scientific mushroom cultivation. He highlighted the sector’s profitability, underscored by its medicinal properties, and its soaring global demand. By providing detailed insights into the cost-effectiveness of mushroom production, Dr. Mugloo illustrated how this venture could serve as an avenue for not just employment but also entrepreneurship.
Transformative Impact on Rural Communities
This program was not just a theoretical exercise; it was a transformative journey for the participants. A notable aspect of this initiative was its focus on hands-on learning. Farmers had the unique opportunity to witness laboratory processes and real-time cultivation techniques. The objective was not just to disseminate knowledge but to empower individuals with the practical expertise required to initiate and sustain mushroom cultivation ventures.
Farooq Ahmad Sheikh, a progressive farmer from Kalamabad Mawar Handwara, articulated the transformative impact of this initiative. He shared his personal journey, highlighting how government schemes, coupled with hands-on training, had enabled him to establish his own mushroom cultivation unit. For Sheikh, this venture was not just a source of livelihood; it was an embodiment of self-reliance. His story resonated with the larger narrative of empowerment and transformation that this program sought to inspire.
Government Schemes and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
The training program underscored the crucial role of government schemes in supporting agricultural entrepreneurship. The establishment of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) was emphasized as a pathway to enhance agricultural produce’s value and secure better returns for farmers. Professor Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi stressed the significance of these skill-oriented programs, urging the educated participants to maximize the benefits offered by these initiatives. He urged farmers to organize themselves into FPOs, facilitating collective bargaining and ensuring a fair market price for their produce.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the training program served as a catalyst for change, it also shed light on the challenges faced by farmers. The demand for scientific knowledge in rural areas far exceeds the current training capacities. There was a resounding call for scaling up such initiatives to reach more participants and transform more lives. Furthermore, the fluctuating demand for certain crops, influenced by market dynamics, remains a concern. However, these challenges were met with resilience and determination, with farmers expressing a keen interest in diversifying their agricultural ventures.
Conclusion
In the picturesque landscape of South Kashmir, where agricultural traditions run deep, this initiative emerged as a beacon of hope. It represented not just a training program but a transformative experience that empowered farmers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to embark on a journey of self-reliance. By promoting mushroom cultivation, the program tapped into an innovative and lucrative avenue, steering rural communities toward economic prosperity.
The success of this initiative hinged not just on imparting knowledge but on fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship. It underscored the government’s commitment to empowering its citizens, particularly the youth, by providing them with the tools necessary to create their livelihoods. As participants left the program, they carried with them more than just theoretical knowledge; they carried the seeds of change, ready to be sown in their fields, and the promise of a brighter, self-sufficient future for themselves and their communities. Through programs like these, the agricultural landscape of south Kashmir is not just evolving; it is thriving, one empowered farmer at a time.

BILAL HABIB