Udhampur farmers reap Rs 3.15 cr from 2,500 quintals of mushrooms

Farmers of Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir are involved in the agricultural revolution, as they have adopted mushroom cultivation, which is giving them some remarkable results. This year these mushroom farmers have produced more than 2,500 quintals of mushrooms, which has given them an income of more than Rs 3.15 crore and with the season continuing till March, expect even more income from farming. Behind these impressive figures are 1,220 mushroom growers, who together have cultivated about one lakh bags of mushrooms.

Vinod Gupta, mushroom development officer of Udhampur, said that mushroom cultivation has expanded significantly this year and the farming community has benefited from the income generated so far. Now they expect even more production and income during the season in March.

"Mushroom cultivation can be done throughout the year in controlled units. If farming is done in the off-season, it brings more income. Mushroom cultivation is a very lucrative income-producing venture. All it takes is training and a little guidance to succeed. It is this easy access that attracts many groups in agriculture. "

One of the most inspiring aspects is that it has empowered local women and elderly residents. Savitri Devi, who cultivates mushrooms under the Gangera village Umeed programme, has seen a change in her life through mushroom cultivation. She has been in the mushroom farming business for the past three years and attributes her success to various government schemes aimed at making women self-reliant.

"I am associated with a self-help group, I am thankful to the government for their support... Now my husband and children are associated with mushroom farming. We make good profits out of it. Another inspiring story is that of Bharat Bhushan, a mushroom farmer from Rathan-B panchayat, who has expressed his gratitude towards the government and the agriculture department. Bharat, who has become a proponent of mushroom farming, now encourages his fellow farmers to take up this lucrative venture, believing it is a reliable way to earn a steady income.