In a significant move to promote sustainable and innovative agricultural practices, a group of 60 mushroom growers and beekeepers was flagged off for an exposure tour to the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu. The tour is sponsored under the Promotion of Round-the-Year Mushroom Cultivation project, part of the Holistic Agriculture Development Program .
The tour, aimed at enhancing the participant’s knowledge and skills in modern mushroom cultivation and beekeeping practices, was flagged off by Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Udhampur West, Pawan Kumar Gupta, at a ceremony in Udhampur.
Speaking at the event, MLA Pawan Kumar Gupta emphasised the importance of empowering farmers with advanced agricultural techniques to improve productivity and enhance their profitability. He praised the Agriculture Department for organising such exposure tours, which play a vital role in the overall development of the farming community and help them stay abreast of modern farming practices.
Chief Agriculture Officer Sanjay Anand, who was also present, reiterated the department’s commitment to supporting farmers through continuous capacity-building programs. He encouraged the participants to actively engage during the tour and absorb new knowledge to improve practices in their own farms, fostering better outcomes in both mushroom cultivation and beekeeping.
This exposure tour is part of the broader Holistic Agriculture Development Program , which focuses on promoting year-round mushroom cultivation and beekeeping as viable, sustainable sources of income. These sectors are seen as key opportunities for farmers to diversify their agricultural activities and secure a stable income throughout the year.
The event was marked by enthusiastic participation from local farmers and entrepreneurs, who expressed keen interest in the training opportunities offered by the tour. By gaining hands-on exposure to the latest advancements at SKUAST, the participants are expected to return with enriched skills and practical knowledge, which will contribute significantly to the agricultural progress of the region.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to driving innovation in agriculture and supporting farmers in adopting modern, sustainable farming practices for better economic outcomes.