Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Nyoma, University of Ladakh, conducted a two-day training and awareness programme on Oyster Mushroom Cultivation and Agro-Advisory Services on August 21 and 22, with the participation of 43 farmers and rural youth from the Changthang region.

The programme aimed to introduce farmers and rural youth to alternative, high-value livelihood opportunities suited to the challenging climatic conditions of Changthang, where a short growing season and harsh environment often limit conventional agricultural production.

Participants received practical training and live demonstrations on Oyster mushroom cultivation from Dorjay Rangdol, entrepreneur and owner of Skitchan Mushroom. The sessions covered substrate preparation and management, spawning techniques, environmental management, harvesting and post-harvest handling.

The participants were also sensitized to the potential of mushroom cultivation as a low-land-use and economically viable enterprise that can provide an additional and regular source of household income.

An awareness session on Agro-Advisory Services was conducted by Kaneez Fatima, Technical Officer, Agro-Meteorological Field Unit, School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Stakna, University of Ladakh. She highlighted the importance of timely, weather-based advisories in agricultural planning, efficient resource management, crop protection from weather-related risks and improving farm productivity, particularly under Ladakh’s cold-desert conditions.

She also demonstrated the Meghdoot mobile application and explained how farmers can access weather forecasts and location-specific agro-advisories through their mobile phones to make informed decisions regarding agricultural and horticultural operations.

The programme was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Phuntsog Tundup, Head, KVK Nyoma, with the participation of Dr. Tashi Dolkar, SMS, KVK Nyoma, and other supporting staff.

During the concluding interaction, Dr. Tundup emphasized the importance of adopting innovative, climate-resilient and economically viable agricultural enterprises to strengthen the livelihoods of farmers and rural youth in Changthang.

The programme provided a platform for interaction among farmers, rural youth, entrepreneurs and technical experts. Participants actively engaged in the training and demonstrations and expressed keen interest in adopting Oyster mushroom cultivation as an alternative livelihood activity and using weather-based agro-advisories for improved farm management.

KVK Nyoma reiterated its commitment to providing need-based training, technology demonstrations and localized advisory services to empower farmers and rural youth in Changthang and promote sustainable agricultural and livelihood development.