In a significant step towards promoting sustainable livelihoods and rural entrepreneurship, the Himalayan Volunteer Tourism and Humas Upliftment Organisation, under the guidance of Chief Trainer Vijay Singh, successfully conducted an oyster mushroom cultivation trial at Thasgam in Drass, producing around 10 kilograms of fresh oyster mushrooms.

The initiative witnessed active participation from dedicated volunteers, including Diksha and Sanjini, along with Self-Help Group (SHG) members from Bhimbhat, Lomochan, Jusgond, Thasgam, Kukshow, Shargole, and several villages of Zanskar, covering nearly 15 villages across Kargil district.

The programme received strong support from the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) Kargil team, including District Programme Manager (DPM) Muneer Ahmad Wani, Block Programme Manager (BPM) Khadim Hussain, and SHG leaders Aysiya Lone and Khalida Banoo of Thasgam.

The successful trial highlighted the potential of oyster mushroom cultivation as a sustainable source of income and nutrition for rural communities. The organisers expressed hope that the initiative would motivate more SHGs and farmers across Kargil to adopt mushroom cultivation as a viable livelihood opportunity.

The initiative marks an important step towards encouraging local entrepreneurship, strengthening community-based livelihoods, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the region.