Picking of Button Mushroom Inaugurated at DCTC, Krishi Bhawan Talab Tillo, Jammu

Jammu, November 4, 2025: The Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Jammu, today inaugurated the picking of button mushrooms at the Demonstration cum Training Centre (DCTC), Krishi Bhawan, Talab Tillo, Jammu. The event was formally inaugurated by Shri Sandeep Kumar, Mission Director, HADP/JKCIP in the presence of Shri Anil Gupta, Director Agriculture Jammu, Mr. Gul Sayed, Director Horticulture Jammu, Shri Raghubir Pal Kochar, Mushroom Development Officer, along with other senior officers and staff of the Agriculture Department.
Speaking on the occasion, Mission Director HADP Shri Sandeep Kumar appreciated the efforts of the Agriculture Department in promoting mushroom cultivation under controlled environmental conditions. He emphasized that the establishment of Controlled Cropping Units will enable farmers to cultivate mushrooms round the year, thereby ensuring a steady source of income and livelihood.

He further highlighted the importance of processing and value addition in mushroom production. Shri Sandeep Kumar stated that mushrooms should be processed and canned to enhance their shelf life, which would help farmers earn additional income beyond traditional cultivation practices. “By integrating processing and marketing with production, farmers can achieve higher profitability and contribute to the overall goal of agricultural sustainability under HADP,” he added.
During the visit, Shri Sandeep Kumar also inspected the Pasteurized Compost Making Unit established at DCTC, where spawning of mushroom bags was in progress. He was informed that these mushroom bags will be distributed to farmers of the Jammu Division on a subsidized rates under departmental initiatives to promote mushroom cultivation at the grassroots level.
Director Agriculture Jammu Shri Anil Gupta highlighted the department’s continuous efforts toward promoting mushroom cultivation as a viable enterprise for small and marginal farmers. He stated that the Department is committed to providing the necessary technical support, training, and infrastructure to enhance mushroom production across the division. He further stressed that with the active support of HADP and the collaborative efforts of various line departments, Jammu Division is witnessing remarkable progress in the mushroom sector.