An extensive awareness regarding advanced technology and introduction of pasteurized compost by farmers has helped to register a production of about 2793.94 quintal of honey and 9224 quintal of Mushroom in Jammu Division during the year 2015-16, this was given out during a meeting convened by Director Agriculture, Ashok Kumar Malhotra to review the performance of Bee-keeping and Mushroom Sectors at Krishi Bhawan, Jammu.Highlighting the need to upgrade 20 existing Apiculture Development centres, Director Agriculture stressed on strengthening of department efforts at grass root level with updating of field staff to new developments in scientific management of beekeeping and mushroom cultivation. He also stressed on regular visits and inspections of colony centres with proper management measures for strengthening of the colonies.He further added that 20 staff members (2 per district) should be trained at National Research Centre, Solan under ATMA and minimum 50 Mushroom Growers with at least 500 bags should be registered for next year.Director Agriculture also directed concerned officers to develop and maintain the data bank of Beekeepers and Mushroom Growers. He asked the officers and field functionaries to create awareness among the farmers to adopt mushroom and bee-keeping as an enterprise to raise their income.Chief Agriculture Officers, District Agriculture Officers, Mushroom Development Officers and Spawn Production officers of the various districts attended the meeting.