Srinagar, Jan 21: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Science and Technology (SKUAST)-K’s KVK Budgam Tuesday successfully wrapped up a six-week Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme (ESDP) titled “From Spores to Harvest: A Comprehensive Mushroom Training”.
Sponsored by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, the program aimed to equip over 25 farmers and farmwomen from Galwanpora and neighbouring villages with essential skills in mushroom cultivation.
The interactive training covered crucial topics like spawn preparation, sustainable cultivation, pest management, and post-harvest handling, complemented by hands-on demonstrations and exposure visits to the Mushroom Research and Training Centre Shalimar. Participants also gained insights from successful mushroom entrepreneurs like Gowhar Ali, a National Award winner and Syed Arshad.
This initiative empowered participants to diversify their incomes and contribute to food security, with many expressing plans to launch their own mushroom farms. Participants expressed enthusiasm and commitment in applying their newly acquired skills, with many indicating plans to establish their own mushroom farms or integrate mushroom cultivation into their existing farming practices. The training also facilitated an interaction with mushroom entrepreneurs like Gowhar Ali, (National award winner in mushroom production) and Syed Arshad in order to share their experience and encouragement to-the participant to take the lead for mushroom farming to enhance food security and generate additional income for families.
An exposure visits to Mushroom Research and Training Centre Shalimar were undertaken during the programme. The participants were highly satisfied and desired that more such diverse programmes should be conducted in this area. The program concluded with resounding satisfaction and a call for more such training opportunities in the Valley.
