Srinagar, Mar 17 (KNO): Mushroom cultivation is emerging as a promising agricultural sector in Jammu and Kashmir, with over 7,800 growers engaged in production.
The latest data from the Agriculture Production Department, J&K, reveals significant regional variations, with Jammu leading the way in mushroom production, while some districts in Kashmir and Pir Panjal struggle to keep up.
Jammu district recorded the highest mushroom production in 2023-24, with a staggering 11,708.88 quintals produced by 517 growers. This is closely followed by Samba (6,964.07 quintals) and Kathua (8,169.98 quintals), making the Jammu region the hub of commercial mushroom farming. The favorable climate, better access to markets, and government support helped boost production in these districts.
In Kashmir, Baramulla (841.50 quintals) and Kupwara (669.00 quintals) emerged as the top producers, with a significant number of private growers contributing to the total yield. Budgam, with 669.00 quintals, also showed strong production figures. However, compared to Jammu, Kashmir's production remains relatively lower, indicating room for growth in this sector.
Districts like Rajouri (15.46 quintals), Kishtwar (72.00 quintals), and Doda (34.61 quintals) recorded minimal production, highlighting the need for more investment and awareness about mushroom farming in these regions.
The government has been actively promoting mushroom cultivation under various schemes, offering subsidies, training, and technical support. The data shows that private growers dominate the sector, producing 33,808.53 quintals, while government-supported production remains significantly lower at 40.33 quintals—(KNO)