SRINAGAR: In a significant step towards strengthening direct farmer-to-consumer marketing, Director Agriculture Kashmir Sartaj Ahmad Shah today flagged off a consignment of exotic King Oyster mushrooms produced by Shally Farm, Zakura, Srinagar.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director underscored the importance of promoting innovative and value-added mushroom cultivation in Kashmir. He said such initiatives would provide mushroom growers with better marketing opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen direct linkages between producers and consumers.
He appreciated the efforts of the Agriculture Department in supporting mushroom entrepreneurs and said direct marketing would help growers secure better returns while encouraging consumers to opt for locally produced exotic mushrooms.
The event was organised by Joint Director Mushrooms Madan Gopal Singh, who briefed the Director on various initiatives being undertaken for the promotion and development of mushroom cultivation in Kashmir.
Singh said the department was taking all possible measures to promote the cultivation and marketing of different varieties of mushrooms. He added that technical guidance and necessary support were being extended to existing entrepreneurs as well as new mushroom growers.
He urged aspiring entrepreneurs and farmers interested in mushroom cultivation to approach the Office of the Joint Director Mushrooms for expert technical guidance and assistance.
The initiative is expected to provide further impetus to commercial mushroom cultivation in Kashmir and encourage more farmers and youth to take up mushroom farming as a viable and remunerative enterprise.
No:-INF/DDI/K-26/2297/
