Mushroom Day observed in Kangra

Mushroom Day was organised under the aegis of Mushroom Development Project in Palampur on Tuesday. On this occasion, Kamalsheel Negi inspired the farmers to increase their income by adopting mushroom farming, which according to him, could also provide nutritious food to their family.

He gave detailed information to the farmers about the schemes being run by the Mushroom Development Department. Negi said an exhibition on various edible species of mushrooms was also organised by the Horticulture Department on Mushroom Day.

100 farmers attend event

More than 100 farmers, horticulture and mushroom producers participated in this event. On this occasion, subject matter specialist (SMS) JICA Project Dr Sapan Thakur talked about Shitake mushroom, its utility and quality. Earlier, subject matter expert Dr Hitendra Patial said in this training camp, farmers were given information about mushroom cultivation, its diseases, marketing and getting assistance through the bank.

While talking to The Tribune, Negi said, “It was in 1997 that Virbhadra Singh, the then Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, had announced Solan as the ‘Mushroom City’ of India. Since then, every year this day is being celebrated as Mushroom Day. To commemorate it, we celebrate it at Palampur to encourage the farmers engaged in the cultivation of mushrooms.”

Mushroom producer Dr Sunil Kumar and farmer Nardev also shared their experiences with the farmers.