Baramulla, Oct 21: Mohammad Ishfaq Mallah, a homemaker from Battapora Rafiabad in the Baramulla district of north Kashmir, started growing mushrooms in 2018 and is now reaping the rewards.
Four years later, he is still going strong and has made it possible for young people to get government help to start a mushroom farming and support the agriculture industry in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The 38-year-old agripreneur currently makes between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1.5 lakh per year from mushroom farming, spawn production, and training aspiring mushroom farmers.
The plant’s happy owner is currently producing 1.5–1.75 quintals of mushrooms annually and selling them for Rs 250 per kilogramme.
After years of suffering, young guy discovered mushroom cultivation as a means of surviving and living up to his family’s expectations.
Mohammad Ishfaq Mallah, the son of Haji Ameer ul din Mallah of Battapora Rafiabad, launched business of growing mushrooms and set an example for many young people who are struggling to find employment.
Through this business, Ishfaq is not only inspiring the next generation, but he is also demonstrating that perseverance in the face of adversity.
“Prior to this, I operated a commercial vehicle for almost ten years, but I could hardly meet my needs. Then, five years ago, I had the opportunity to attend an agriculture department program in my neighbourhood, where I first learned about this venture. This inspired me to launch my own business unit, “he added.
Ishfaq told Rising Kashmir that during the session, the existing staff members recommended that I try my luck at mushroom farming.
One of the officers persisted and assisted me in starting the business, he continued.
“At one point in time I thought it was a waste of time and how can I reach out to the commitments of my family,” he said.
Despite having a strong start; Ishfaq was not fortunate enough to make a sizable profit.
“One thing was obvious: after I started my business, my family’s needs changed. This helped me to thrive in this industry, and Alhamdulillah, after a year I began making good money, which inspired my family to join this business and as of today my entire family is working on it, “he added.
Ishfaq expressed his gratitude to the horticulture division for providing him with a platform and aiding in his marketing.
“In the future, I intend to create a mushroom farm through which I would not only cover the entirety of north Kashmir but also place young people in jobs,” he said.
According to him, beginning a mushroom farm requires relatively little capital, and you won’t start seeing a profit until after a few months.
Ishfaq advised young people not to waste their time looking for a job but to begin a mushroom business and it is the ideal way to begin their next phase of life.
He advised those who are interested in the mushroom cultivation to visit the agriculture department for any assistance and to occasionally seek the advice and guidance of the officials.
