From medical field to agri business: Ganderbal entrepreneur’s mushrooming success

Ganderbal, Nov 9: While the government has launched a large number of upliftment schemes, many such flagship programmes are empowering people and pioneering the entrepreneurial movement here in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district as well.

Various success stories have emerged from the district wherein unemployed but skilled individuals have earned a respectable living through these government-run  schemes.

At a time when women in rural areas find it difficult to become economically independent, a woman from Batwina area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district has set the example for others by coming up with the organic cultivation of mushrooms, thus earning her livelihood.

Kulsooma Nazir from Batwina Ganderbal, an enthusiastic entrepreneur, who has taken up mushroom cultivation under the government’s Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) scheme is one among many such aspirational women who want to make their own mark. Her dedication is inspiring others towards self-employment and sustainable farming in the valley. Kulsooma was passively exploring new opportunities after finishing her B.Sc in ( OT Anaesthesia ), but since she always wanted to be independent and start something of her own, entrepreneurship was on top of her priority list.

Kulsooma registered herself as a member of Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM) scheme and got hundred bags of mushroom for cultivation to her house. “Initially I thought it was hectic and not yielding much benefit but over the time I learnt that mushroom cultivation is a technical process that requires proper use of technology and guidance from experts,” she said.  “ Mushroom cultivation has been a great source of income in Jammu and Kashmir with more and more youth choosing this business. The much in demand vegetable can be grown in a temperature between 15-20 degrees Celsius and requires proper environment and hygiene .

Kulsooma says she always wanted to be a job provider rather than being a job seeker. “ I do want to be an employer instead of working under someone. Instead of running after government jobs one should set up their own business and work hard to be an independent entrepreneur rather than being dependent on someone,“ Kulsooma said.

Notably, the government is encouraging youth in the rural areas to take up mushroom cultivation, which has a potential entrepreneurship for youth in a big way. Market for mushrooms in the valley is growing rapidly owing to its nutritious value and special taste. The main consumers of mushrooms are Chinese food restaurants, hotels, clubs and households as well.