Srinagar: Sartaj Ahmad Shah, the Joint Director of Agriculture Kashmir and Mushroom Coordinator, visited the Demonstration-Cum-Training Centre (DCTC) at Lalmandi, Srinagar, on Thursday to evaluate the ongoing preparations for the distribution of mushrooms to local farmers.
Accompanied by Waheed-u-Rehman, Deputy Director Central, Yahya Mujtaba, Deputy Director Law Enforcement, and other senior department officials, Shah’s visit began with a tour of the pasteurized compost production units. During the inspection, the team was briefed on the various techniques being employed to enhance mushroom cultivation practices in the region.
In his review of the distribution plans, Shah reaffirmed the department’s commitment to advancing mushroom farming in Jammu and Kashmir. “The DCTC project aims to boost mushroom yield and introduce modern farming techniques,” he stated. “We are also focused on diversifying mushroom varieties to provide farmers with more options.”
He further highlighted that mushroom cultivation, being an indoor activity, offers a significant opportunity to supplement farmers’ incomes, particularly in areas with limited land. “To ensure greater profitability for growers, we are implementing market-oriented strategies to aid the sale of mushroom products,” Shah added. This initiative seeks to empower local farmers by enhancing their skills, transferring new technologies, and promoting sustainable cultivation methods, positioning mushroom farming as a promising agricultural business within the Union Territory.
