KYIDPHEL : In a bid to promote sustainable livelihoods and enhance farmers’ income, the Tawang District Horticulture Department on Tuesday organised a one-day mushroom cultivation training programme at the Conference Hall of the Assistant Commissioner in Kyidphel under the state government’s Mushroom Mission Initiative.
A total of 59 farmers from Kyidphel block participated in the programme, which focused on scientific mushroom cultivation techniques and the commercial potential of mushroom farming.
Addressing the participants, Tawang District Horticulture Officer (DHO) Koncho Gyatso outlined the objectives of the Mushroom Mission and urged farmers to adopt scientific cultivation practices. He said mushroom cultivation is a low-investment, high-return enterprise capable of generating sustainable income while improving rural livelihoods.
Kyidphel Assistant Commissioner Sange Norbu encouraged farmers to embrace modern agricultural practices to enhance productivity and increase their earnings. He also proposed developing a pilot village for mushroom cultivation, expressing confidence that its success would encourage neighbouring villages to adopt the initiative.
Kyidphel Zilla Parishad Member (ZPM) Tenzin Monpa said government welfare schemes can achieve their intended objectives only through active public participation. He urged farmers to make full use of the training and government support to adopt scientific farming methods and transform agriculture into a sustainable and profitable livelihood.
The technical sessions included practical demonstrations on oyster mushroom cultivation by DHO Koncho Gyatso, covering substrate preparation, spawning, cultivation techniques and harvesting.
Block Mission Management Unit (BMMU) Lumla Block Coordinator Tenzin Yangzom conducted a session on shiitake mushroom cultivation, highlighting scientific production methods and the commercial prospects of the high-value crop.
To facilitate immediate adoption of the technology, mushroom spawn was distributed to all participating farmers, enabling them to begin cultivation in their respective villages.
The programme concluded with enthusiastic participation from the farmers, reflecting their growing interest in diversifying agricultural activities and exploring new livelihood opportunities.
Officials expressed confidence that the initiative would strengthen rural livelihoods, promote self-employment and encourage sustainable agriculture across Kyidphel block. (DIPR)
