Srinagar, Sep 10: Gowhar Ali Lone, a farmer from Tangmarg area of Baramulla who practices integrated farming on Sunday received the progressive “Mushroom Grower Award” by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Directorate of Mushroom Research, Solan Himachal Pradesh during the 26th National Mushroom Mela.
On August 18, the progressive farmer received the confirmation for the award. Today, the 30-year-old farmer said he received the award during the Mushroom Mela at the ICAR in presence of dignitaries and esteemed guests.
“This award is hereby presented to Gowhar for his contribution in mushroom farming. The ICAR-Directorate of Mushroom Research, Solan confers him with the Progressive Mushroom Grower Award during 26th National Mushroom Mela,” read the citation given to the farmer.
On behalf of Director, ICAR-DMR, Solan (HP), it said, “It is our pleasure to convey that Gowhar has been selected for the mushroom award,” read the citation.
Gowhar has been growing white button and oyster mushrooms since 2007 with a production of 100 kg mushrooms per day. Apart from the fresh mushroom production, he is also supplying readymade compost bags to the government departments and local mushroom growers.
The farmer also provides consultancy to the new mushroom growers on various aspects of mushroom farming. Different organizations have awarded him for his work in mushroom cultivation.
Considering his outstanding contribution to the mushroom farming, the award has been conferred to him for his hard work and dedication in the mushroom farming.
“It is an honour for me that ICAR has chosen me for the award. I feel very happy that the hard work and initiatives that I took in mushroom farming paid off,” he said.
In 2007, the progressive farmer started growing mushrooms in some 27 trays in one room after he was encouraged by the Agriculture Department Kashmir. Today, the integrated farmer is the successful agri entrepreneur of north Kashmir.
Also known as the mushroom king of north Kashmir, previously also he has been recognized both at the national level and by the Jammu and Kashmir Administration.
The farmer has revolutionized the Integrated Farming system through new innovations and adoption of new technologies in agriculture. Gowhar said if any unemployed youth want to turn mushroom business into a lucrative venture they should take benefit of the schemes of the agriculture department.
Notably, earlier this year Lieutenant Governor J&K, Manoj Sinha mentioned Gowhar in the 24th edition of Awaam Ki Awaaz, monthly radio program, and praised his integrated farming.
Earlier also, he had received an award of appreciation by Lieutenant Governor J&K in recognition for promotion of mushrooms in district Baramulla.
Gowhar has participated in several training programs in agriculture and allied fields. In 2021, he received the Innovative Farmer Award by Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi for his contribution in agriculture and allied sectors.
In April this year, Director Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhary Muhammad Iqbal visited Gowhar’s farm to encourage his outstanding performance in mushroom cultivation and inaugurated his first mushroom produce of the year.
Poultry manure produced in his farm is being utilized in the farm which has reduced the cost of fertilizer and improved soil health. He also produces compost for mushrooms.
Many farmers and youth visit his home to take a glimpse of his success and many have followed his footsteps. His interest in agriculture and hard labour made him a progressive farmer.
