A five-day training course on "Mushroom Cultivation for Winter Season" recently concluded at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), with participation from 32 mushroom growers.
The program, tailored for both farmers and farm women, was led by Dr GS Buttar, Director of Extension Education at PAU.
Dr TS Riar, Associate Director (Skill Development) and Additional Director of Communication emphasized that mushroom cultivation has become a lucrative venture for farmers of all scales, including small, marginal, and large. The course provided comprehensive insights into cultivation techniques, processing, marketing strategies, and available loan options for aspiring mushroom growers.
Dr Kuldeep Singh, Head of the Department of Extension Education, urged farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices and avoid burning paddy straw, which contributes to environmental problems.
Instead, he encouraged the utilization of modern farming machinery like PAU Happy Seeder, Smart Seeder, Super Seeder, and Surface Seeder for straw management.
Furthermore, farmers were advised to explore alternative uses for straw, such as mushroom cultivation, cardboard production, and biogas generation.
The training course at PAU not only promotes sustainable agricultural practices but also empowers farmers with valuable knowledge and skills, enabling them to enhance their livelihoods during the winter season.
