NALBARI, Feb 10 - A progressive farmer engaged in mushroom cultivation named Hemanta Nath of Borjhar village in Nalbari district formally released a trademark named �KathFu� for his dry mushroom product at a modest ceremony held at his farm on February 8.
The trade mark was officially released by Pranab Saikia, District Agriculture Officer where Dr Mridul Deka, senior scientist of KVK, Nalbari, HK Kalita, Asistant Director in the Department of Agriculture, J Rajmedhi, Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer, Debajyoti Biswas, DDM of NABARD, Dr Arfan Ali, SMS of KVK, Nalbari were present, among others.
In his inaugural speech, Pranab Saikia congratulated the enterprising farmer for his sincere efforts. He hoped this endevour would encourage unemployed youth and help to boost mushroom farming in Nalbari district.
Speaking at the function, Dr Mridul Deka elaborated on mushroom production, its prospects, processing and marketing strategies. He congratulated Nath and urged other farmers and youths present on the occasion to come forward for undertaking this profitable venture as an avenue of livelihood and self-employment.
He also called upon them to undergo training on mushroom production in the Directorate of Mushroom Research, ICAR, Himachal Pradesh through the KVK in two batches shortly.
He informed that an FPC on mushroom is going to be formed in Nalbari district very soon with affiliation to the Directorate of Horticulture, Govt. of Assam, which will further facilitate production, processing and marketing of mushroom in an organised manner.
It may be mentioned here that mushroom farming has of late been gaining popularity as a rewarding entrepreneurial venture among youths in Nalbari district. Hundreds of farmers and rural youth are engaged in mushroom cultivation since 2013. However, they are reportedly struggling for an assured market linkage and officially-recognised brand name so as to ensure quality to the consumers.
However, Hemanta Nath of Borjhar village near Barama is a commercial mushroom grower who was influenced by another pioneer mushroom cultivator Tapan Dutta of Kendukona in Nalbari district.
Besides them, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra of Nalbari subsequently developed and guided many more youths by providing technical inputs. The said youths are today capable of bringing laurels for Nalbari district in mushroom cultivation.
In the meantime, Nalbari KVK has facilitated and recommended farmers for training to the Directorate of Mushroom Research at ICAR in Himachal Pradesh.
