Kashmir farmers opt for mushroom cultivation

Kathua (J-K), Dec 1 (ANI): Farmers of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district opted for mushroom cultivation, as they found have it profitable.

The state agricultural department has formed a separate wing called 'Krishi Vigyan Kendra' to educate the farmers and locals about mushroom farming.

"We are encouraging farmers along to grow more and more mushrooms. Last year, there were a few takers, but this time many farmers who have adopted mushroom farming. We are encouraging the farmers to grow mushrooms to enhance the socio-economic status of our state. We encourage the farmers to grow them the whole year and accept it as an enterprise," said Amrish Vaidya, Project Officer, Krishi Vigyan Kendra.

According to the farmers, they are earning a good amount of money from mushroom farming.

"We learned the technique of mushroom cultivation from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra. It helped us earn a better living. This year the produce is much more than last year and the returns are good as well. The most important thing is that we are getting a good price for the mushrooms in the market. The current price is rupees 250 per kilogram," said Angrez Singh, a farmer.

Mushroom farming was adopted first in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. About 80 to 85 percent of white button mushrooms are grown here.

Apart from these states, mushrooms are also grown in Haryana during winters. (ANI)