Editorial | Mushroom Cultivation in J&K

Women empowerment is at the forefront of all the economic development plans of the J&K administration. Their role in the socio-economic upliftment of the UT is recognised and appreciated. Under the entrepreneurial programmes HAUSLA and TEJASWINI launched by the Center in J&K, women-led Self-Help Groups are being promoted. Due to the Agriculture Department’s efforts to introduce the finest practices and provide technical know-how to new age agri-entrepreneurs, mushroom output in J&K is at an all-time high. From Tral to Kupwara, many are taking this entrepreneurship opportunity with both hands, even if they have to quit their jobs. Mushroom growing is a focus area under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (National Agriculture Development Programme), and mushroom producers are provided with high-quality seeds and instruction in scientific cultivation methods. The administration’s 50% subsidy and technical know-how are making mushroom farming profitable for growers in the Valley, which claims several success stories in the industry.  For those who live in the forest area, non-timber forest products (NTFPs) like mushrooms are a source of income. About 20% of the entire land area of J&K, or 20,230 sq km, is covered in forests. Peasants in the Jammu region’s Shivalik range have a reliable source of income from mushrooms, particularly gucchi. Since gucchi mushrooms have a high commercial value, it can be difficult for forest inhabitants to regularly come across a large number of them. Forest dwellers in the Jammu Shivaliks are receiving official training and instructions regarding mushroom gathering and processing procedures, market awareness, and market access thanks to recent government interventions, ensuring that their labourers are rewarded with their justly deserved share. Apart from other initiatives, this is also proving to be a fruitful one, and mushroom is steadily moving towards becoming a more profitable and one of the largest producing crops in the Union territory. Hope the authorities not only keep up with its policies but also review them from time to time to help J&K in becoming self-sufficient in this sector and help the unemployed youth to earn their livelihood.