Govt to promote mushroom farming, says Harak Rawat
Tribune News Service
Dehradun, May 17
Uttarakhand Horticulture Minister Harak Singh Rawat yesterday said mushroom cultivation would not only help the cultivators earn handsome returns throughout the year but also help the state become a major supplier of mushrooms in the country. He said there was a tremendous scope for mushroom cultivation in the state due to conducive climate.
“Our climatic conditions are such that cultivation of mushrooms could be done all year round. Our supply of mushrooms could replenish the depleting stocks during the winter. Our neighbouring states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu Kashmir have carved a niche for themselves in the production of apples and dry fruits but we are still finding our way. Abundant cultivation of mushrooms could help us make a name for ourselves in the country,” said Rawat while speaking at a seminar for mushroom growers.
The minister said the farmers should be ready to take on the challenge as the state government was willing to help them. “The initiative has to come from you. We can help support you by offering assistance in the form of subsidy and knowhow,” he said.
The minister added the Department of Horticulture would select three villages in each development block where mushroom cultivation was being done so that these could be promoted as mushroom clusters.
Rawat also emphasised the need to sell horticulture produce from Uttarakhand under the ‘made in Uttarakhand’ label. The minister also honoured 14 mushroom cultivators from Uttarakhand with commendation certificates and mementos.
He announced a hike in subsidy offered by the government on compost from 20 per cent to 50 per cent.
Earlier, the Director, Horticulture, Dr BS Negi, said the climatic conditions in Uttarakhand were conducive for the cultivation of button variety of mushrooms.
