ZT NEWS NETWORK
Srinagar: Director Agriculture Kashmir Manzoor Ahmad Qadri visited Integrated Mushroom Development Centre at Lalmandi, Srinagar and took a round of different sections of Integrated Mushroom Centre which include Spawn Production Centre, Pasteurized Compost Unit and Mushroom Research Laboratory. He interacted with the officers and Scientists of the centre regarding working of IMDC.
During the visit Director said keeping in view the huge potential of mushroom cultivation, introduction of modern technology, importance of commercialization of Mushroom crops, this centre is proving to be a vital link between the mushroom growers and the Department. He said this Centre is providing basic inputs like pasteurized compost and spawn among the interested growers besides giving them technical assistance also.
The Director stressed upon the officers involved with the mushroom scheme to apprise farmers about the benefits of mushroom cultivation. He said that the department is committed for providing assistance to the mushroom growers in improving their socio-economic status.
Director Agriculture advised the mushroom entrepreneurs, growers and farmers to learn the technical aspects of mushroom cultivation to increase their income. He highlighted the importance of mushroom cultivation as an allied wing of agriculture for its significant contribution to the overall economy.
Project Coordinator Mushrooms, Farooq Ahmad Shah, briefed Director regarding various activities being carried out at the centre. The Integrated Mushroom Development Centre at Lalmandi Srinagar has been commissioned to make available quality germplasm which serves as a basic input for mushroom cultivation, and the centre is all set to provide high quality compost and spawn to the growers of the valley.
Farooq Shah said entire infrastructure of mushroom development at Lalmandi has been upgraded for attaining better results. This has been the endeavor of the Department to rope in unemployed youth of the valley to undertake mushroom cultivation as a part time or full time enterprise so that they can earn their livelihood with dignity and honor.
Later on Director inspected the under construction Spawn Production Laboratory Block at IMDC.
Deputy Director Agriculture Dr. Waseem Ahmad Shah, Mushroom Specialist Zafer Ahmad Hakim, Spawn Production Officer Dr. Amarjeet Singh, Mushroom Research Officer IMDC Farzana Tabasum and other concerned officers were present during the visit.
