Kulgam, Apr 04 (KNO): In the historical village of Qaimoh in south Kashmir's Kulgam district, a woman is making a mark with her determination and entrepreneurial spirit.
Tahira Bashir has turned to organic mushroom cultivation, not just as a means of livelihood but as a path to financial independence as through her efforts, she has ensured an annual income of Rs 75,000 for her family.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Tahira shared her journey of transformation, which began when she received training in mushroom cultivation through the Agricultural Department in Kashmir.
With this knowledge, she established her mushroom-growing unit at her home. Backed by the unwavering support of her family, Tahira credits her success to the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) department.
"I came across various schemes through NRLM that benefited me immensely. I am grateful to my trainers who guided and supported me throughout this journey," she said.
Tahira first cultivated mushrooms in a small room in her home. Her first attempt at harvesting locally known mushrooms, ‘Heddar’, was a success.
Encouraged by the positive response, she approached the agriculture department for more mushroom bags to expand her venture. "Through cultivation, I not only earned a livelihood for my family but also helped others in marketing their mushrooms. I personally marketed produce from five such units," she said. Her business has made her feel financially independent, inspiring other educated women in the area to follow suit.
Before venturing into this field, Tahira faced financial hardships. She used her earnings to support her family and reinvested in her business for expansion.
The mushroom cultivation process is straightforward: after sowing the mushroom seeds, the crop matures in a few weeks. Once ready, the mushrooms are carefully packaged into small boxes and sold in vegetable markets at prices ranging from Rs 25 to Rs 50 per box.
Tahira’s success story has now encouraged nearly a dozen other women in the district to start their own mushroom units. "This is an easy and safe business for unemployed youth, especially girls, to start and become independent," she said.
She is now making pickles of these mushrooms and selling them in markets and getting handsome returns.
Over the years, mushrooms have gained popularity as a nutritious vegetable in Kashmir.
The traditional Kashmiri multi-course cuisine, Wazwan, now includes a delicacy called Mushroom Yakhni, a rich curry cooked with yogurt and spices. The increasing demand for mushrooms presents an excellent opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs—(KNO)