Kashmir, Jan 4 (KNN) Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Shopian, under Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology - Kashmir (SKUAST-K) commenced a week-long training program on Dhingri mushroom cultivation, aiming to foster entrepreneurship and enhance rural livelihoods.

KVK officials stated that the program, titled "Entrepreneurship Development through Dhingri Mushroom Cultivation and Spawn Production," is a part of the continuous initiatives by SKUAST-K.

This program is sponsored by the Union Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India.

The officials also mentioned that SKUAST-K is actively conducting 550 skill development programs throughout Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, with a primary focus on empowering the youth with entrepreneurial skills.

“The Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Programme (EMDP) specifically aims to popularise mushroom cultivation as a viable source of income for marginal farmers and rural youth,” said the officials, reported Kashmir Rising.

Dr. Zaffar Afroz Badri, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Shopian, shared insights with the participants about the nutritional value of mushrooms.

Dr. Badri announced, “Mushroom cultivation is a profitable opportunity that can be pursued by rural youth as an additional farming activity.” 

Dr. Shabeer Ahmad Ganie, a scientist at KVK Shopian and coordinator of the training program, offered a detailed overview of the course.

He conveyed that the participants would receive training in diverse aspects of mushroom cultivation, encompassing harvesting, processing, value addition, marketing, spawn production, and disease and pest management.

“Practical sessions will be an integral part of the program, ensuring hands-on experience for the participants,” Dr. Ganie mentioned.

Additionally, he highlighted that the initiative embodies a broader commitment to equipping individuals in rural areas with skills that contribute to their income and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Mushroom cultivation, characterised by its relatively low input requirements and high returns, emerges as an appealing avenue for diversifying income sources in agricultural communities.

(KNN Bureau)