A mushroom demonstration unit developed and designed by Krishi Vigyan Kendra Leh was inaugurated by Dr. Nazeer Ahmed, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Kashmir on 15 June in Stakna. 

The unit was developed and designed by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Leh.

 

The main obstacles like maintaining temperature and humidity causes’ low production and non-popularization of mushrooms in the region. To overcome it and to increase the avenues of employment generation through mushroom cultivation, the unit was designed. 

Mushroom Demonstration unit will assist the farming community of Ladakh region to grow and cultivate different species of mushrooms suitable for the region.

Dr. Vikas Gupta briefed about the different vocational training on mushroom cultivation conducted in the past by KVK Leh in the district. Hands on training and incentives like spawn, poly bags and literature regarding mushroom cultivation were given to farmers for their socio-economic upliftment. 

He also informed that the farmers are very enthusiastic about the mushroom cultivation and want to adopt it as the climate of Ladakh region is very much congenial for the cultivation of different species of mushroom. 

He further added that cultivation of mushrooms using low production technologies which are labour intensive can provide ample employment potential to people of Ladakh region and also augment their income.  Almost every house has one polyhouse and more than one abandoned rooms/ house parts where there is enough opportunities/ possibilities for growing mushrooms for better livelihood security, especially during harsh winter.

Dr. M. Y. Zargar, Director Research SKUAST-Kashmir, Dr. Sarfaraz Wani, Dean (Faculty of Veterinary Sciences), Dr. T. H. Masoodi, Associate Director Research and Extension Leh, Dr. N. A. Ganai, Associate Director Research (Animal Sciences), Dr. D. Namgyal, Head KVK-Leh, Dr. M. S. Kanwar, Head KVK-Nyoma were also present on the day.  

Mushroom cultivation recycles agricultural wastes into an easily digestible source of protein that enriches human diet. Mushroom is an important source of quality protein, minerals and various novel compounds of medicinal value. After mushroom cultivation, the used substrate can be composted and applied to the soil as a soil amendment to increase soil health.