Sowing seeds of success, Kupwara homemaker turns to mushroom cultivation

Kupwara, Dec 2: At a time when women in rural areas are making efforts to become economically independent, a young woman from Bramri area of Kupwara has set an example for others by setting up an organic cultivation of mushrooms, thereby earning her livelihood.

Mother of two, Tabasum Aziz, after receiving training for mushroom cultivation at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Srinagar established her own unit at her residence two years back. “I am really thankful to Dr Farahanaz Rasool who is Associate Professor at SKUAST Srinagar. She guided throughout in setting up the mushroom unit,” Tabasum told Greater Kashmir.

“After getting proper training, the Agriculture Department provided me with 100 bags of compost required for mushroom cultivation. I sowed seed in the month of September and now I harvest 4-5 kgs of crop every day. As it is a technical process so I am in constant touch with the experts, hopefully with the passage of time, I will be able to harvest more than 20 kg of crops every day,” she said.

“I found mushroom cultivation lucrative as it requires minimal investment and less manpower which is an advantage for women like me, who are either studying or housewives,” she added. Tabasum, who is pursuing a Masters in Physics from IGNOU drew inspiration of setting her own business. “I want to be a job provider and not a job seeker,” Tabasum said.

The 27-year-old Tabasum said that for a single mushroom cultivation unit, a spacious room could be sufficient. She said that during winter, the cultivator needs to keep proper heating arrangements in the room and the temperature must be around 20-25 degree celsius for better crop. “During summer the cultivator does not need heating arrangements because the substantial temperature outside does the job,” he added.

Tabasum has been able to lead a better and more financially stable life ever since she started to cultivate mushrooms. She intends to expand from two units to few more for abundant crop.

“I sell mushrooms at a rate of Rs 200 per kg to my customers and in the market the same is being sold at Rs 400-500 per kg. Since people love organic vegetables, people across the district approach me round the year for fresh mushrooms,” she added. “My husband Nisar Ahmad who is also a progressive farmer has really been a great support for me in establishing the unit. He provided me with financial and logistic support whenever required,” Tabasum said.

She feels overwhelmed when aspiring entrepreneurs approach her for guidance.

“I feel really happy whenever educated females approach me for guidance. I take them to my mushroom unit and give them practical training. I do encourage them to start their own ventures so that they can become self-reliant,” Tabasum added. “There are hundreds of financial schemes being run by different government departments which I believe youth should take advantage of,” she added.