Srinagar, Aug 19: In a major boost to high-value and sustainable agriculture, SKUAST-K has transferred its patented exotic mushroom production technology to the Department of Agriculture for wider adoption across Jammu & Kashmir.

Developed by the University's Mushroom Research and Training Centre (MRTC), the technology covers Shiitake, King Oyster and Enoki mushrooms and their associated strains.
The technology can utilise locally available horticultural biomass, particularly apple-pruning waste, turning material often burnt or discarded into a valuable commercial resource. The initiative is aimed at promoting a waste-to-wealth model, reducing biomass burning and creating new income opportunities.
SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai said exotic mushrooms offered significant opportunities for farmers, women, rural youth and agricultural graduates because of their high market value and relatively low land requirement.
He said University estimates indicate that apple-pruning wood alone could potentially support nearly 3.4 lakh tonnes of premium mushrooms annually, with an estimated market value of around Rs 17,000 crore.
Director Agriculture Sartaj Ahmad Shah welcomed the technology transfer, saying mushroom cultivation could play an important role in agricultural diversification and assured departmental support for taking the technology to farmers and entrepreneurs.
Director Extension Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth said the initiative reflected the objectives of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) by connecting research with field-level opportunities.
MRTC In-charge Dr Khursheed Ahmad Bhat explained the production process, substrate preparation, infrastructure and enterprise potential. Entrepreneurs who have adopted the technology on a pilot basis also shared their experiences.
A technology book on exotic mushroom cultivation and utilisation of woody agricultural waste was released on the occasion.
The initiative is expected to promote agri-entrepreneurship, employment and sustainable biomass utilisation, while positioning J&K as a potential hub for high-value mushroom production.