Jammu & Kashmir: Farmers to Benefit from Shiitake Mushroom Production

Farmers involved in cultivating mushrooms in Jammu and Kashmir are feeling optimistic about the government's recent announcement to introduce the expensive Shiitake mushroom for commercial farming in the Union Territory.

"We are delighted to hear that commercial farming of Shiitake mushrooms is scheduled to launch in September. As a result, we plan to pursue this opportunity," Mushroom farmer Rahul Sharma told PTI.

According to Sharma, who is the owner of a 4,000-bag unit located in the border belt of Marh, the crop is cultivated in states such as Haryana. However, he expressed optimism that this crop will now also be cultivated in Jammu for the first time, which is indeed good news.

He further added, "Cultivating Shiitake mushrooms could be highly advantageous for farmers due to their favourable cost and market value. The versatile nature of this crop allows it to thrive in a range of climatic conditions, making it a particularly promising choice for agricultural development in Jammu and Kashmir."

Arvind Kumar, who has been engaged in mushroom farming for the past 15 years, expressed his anticipation for the successful outcome of the trials in Jammu and Kashmir, just like his colleague. He said, "Our stance is that we support the commercial cultivation of Shiitake mushrooms, and we are willing to embrace this practice as soon as it is introduced by the government."

Successful cultivation trials were conducted to produce Shiitake mushroom spawn and their cultivation in both a spawn production laboratory and in fields in Jammu. The trials were carried out using polypropylene bags filled with sawdust from broad leaves, following the guidelines provided by the Directorate of Mushroom Research (ICAR), Solan.

KK Sharma, Director of the Department of Agriculture, articulated to PTI, "The successful completion of trials and standardization of all parameters has paved the way for the transfer of Shiitake mushroom cultivation techniques to farmers in September. This initiative will offer farmers an opportunity to cultivate mushrooms year-round, resulting in increased profits."

All the trials were successful, and the mushrooms grew well, including the fruiting bodies, as per the statement made by the spokesperson. The shiitake mushroom, also known as Lentinus edodes, is a type of edible fungus that originates from Japan and contains lentinan, a chemical that some medical professionals use to enhance the immune system. This move towards mushroom cultivation in J&K is expected to stimulate economic growth in the farming sector.

In addition to cultivating three types of mushrooms, namely Button, Dingri, and Milky, the farmers will also incorporate a fourth variety called Shiitake mushroom into their crop rotation. This will not only diversify their farming system but also result in economic benefits for all, including small-scale mushroom growers, according to the statement made by the speaker. He described it as a significant enhancer of immunity, as well as having anti-carcinogenic properties that can be utilized in cancer treatment.

The Jammu and Kashmir government plans to introduce a comprehensive program costing Rs 42 crore over the next three years to promote year-round mushroom farming, which is a sustainable and lucrative crop, to support small-scale farmers.

Additional Chief Secretary of Agriculture Production Department (APD), Atal Dulloo commented, "The Agriculture Production Department in Jammu and Kashmir will undertake a project that is expected to cost approximately Rs 42 crore over the next three years. This project aims to enhance mushroom production by 3.5 times, resulting in a three-fold increase in employment opportunities."

-PTI

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