GDC Drass organizes one-day training cum workshop on oyster mushroom cultivation.

GDC Drass organizes one-day training cum workshop on oyster mushroom cultivation.
Kargil, August 10, 2024: Department of Botany, Government Degree College (GDC) Drass, in collaboration with Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Unit of the college today organized one-day training cum workshop on oyster mushroom cultivation. The event was held under the supervision of Dr. Amjad Ali Abbasi, Principal, GDC Drass.
The workshop was attended by all students enrolled in the mushroom cultivation course, who were eager to acquire practical knowledge and skills in this sustainable agricultural practice.
The session was led by Dr. Imtiyaz Hussain from GDC Drass, alongside Nargis Banoo, an expert instructor from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Kargil. Both trainers provided comprehensive guidance on the essential steps involved in oyster mushroom cultivation.
The workshop began with an introduction to the preparation of straw, which is a critical substrate in mushroom cultivation. The trainers demonstrated the importance of proper sterilization of the straw to prevent contamination and ensure a successful yield. The students actively participated in this phase, learned to sterilize straw through practical demonstrations.
Following this, the participants were introduced to the composting method, an integral part of creating a nutrient-rich medium suitable for mushroom growth. The trainers explained the process in detail, emphasizing the significance of maintaining the correct conditions for composting to achieve optimal results.
The training progressed to the spawning techniques, where students were taught how to incorporate the spawn into the prepared composting medium. This included hands-on practice in the careful layering and mixing required to create an ideal environment for the mushrooms to thrive.
During the workshop, approximately 10 kg of straw was utilized to prepare the composting material. The culmination of the day’s efforts saw the successful cultivation of 10 polythene packets of oyster mushrooms, which were then carefully placed on wooden shelves for further growth and monitoring.
This workshop is part of series of initiatives by GDC Drass to promote sustainable livelihood practices in the region. Oyster mushroom cultivation, being a low-cost and high-yield agricultural activity, has the potential to significantly benefit the local community by providing an alternative source of income.
Dr. Hussain emphasized the importance of such workshops in equipping students with practical skills that not only enhance their academic learning but also contribute to the economic development of the region.