Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Fatehgarh Sahib, under Punjab Agricultural University, conducted a vocational training programme on Button Mushroom Cultivation from 25 September to 1 October 2024. The programme aimed at inspiring rural youth to consider mushroom cultivation as a side business and an additional source of income. The training was specifically designed for new trainees interested in mushroom farming.
Dr Vipan Kumar Rampal, Associate Director (Training), KVK Fatehgarh Sahib, welcomed the participants and provided an overview of year-round and winter mushroom cultivation. He emphasised the importance of these practices in generating employment and encouraged both farmers and farm women to participate actively in mushroom cultivation. He also highlighted the resources and guidance available through KVK Fatehgarh Sahib.
Dr. Arvind Preet Kaur, Assistant Professor (Horticulture), led detailed theoretical and practical sessions on the cultivation of button mushrooms. She stressed the importance of forming farmer groups and clubs to enhance collective farming efforts and highlighted the use of spent compost in organic vegetable cultivation.
Dr Gurpreet Kaur, Professor, Farm Advisory Service Centre, delivered a lecture on the economics of mushroom cultivation and the importance of proper record-keeping. Meanwhile, Mrs Ramandeep Kaur, Horticulture Development Officer (Fatehgarh Sahib), discussed various government schemes available through the State Horticulture Department that trainees could use.
As part of the training, participants were taken on an exposure visit to Gill Mushroom Farm in Maneli, Khamanon. This provided them with hands-on experience and real-world insights into commercial mushroom cultivation.
The highly interactive training programme motivated rural youth and farm women to adopt mushroom cultivation as a viable and profitable side business.
Read more: https://www.pau.edu/index.php?_act=manageEvent&DO=viewEventDetail&dataE=&intID=9719
