Progressive farmer Davinder Singh, of village Karkaur in Block Dera Bassi of District SAS Nagar has set an example for other farmers by successfully cultivating mushrooms throughout the year and earning good income from it. Besides he has also given employment to 15 unemployed youth in his business.Davinder Singh, who passed matriculation, has adopted his ancestral occupation after the death of his father. His father late S. Kesar Singh used to produce mushrooms through crude structure and Davinder Singh has obtained training of mushroom cultivation from Horticulture Department and promoted this business with adoption of new techniques. Davinder Singh owns 3 acre land and produce mushrooms throughout the year. For cultivating mushrooms, Davinder Singh has constructed rooms of size 50 feet x 45 feet whereat mushroom cultivation is being done throughout the year.
Besides this he does marketing of mushrooms in Punjab, Chandigarh and Delhi.He said that for cultivating mushrooms in the rooms, he prepares 2000 to 2500 compost packages and one package provides 2 KG button of produce. He said that Mushrooms are sold after packing at the rate of Rs. 80 to 140 per KG as per seasonal demand. Davinder said that he has also engaged 15 persons with him provide them sustainable income.Horticulture Development Officer S. Tarlochan Singh said that farmers could increase their income through mushroom cultivation as mushrooms are an important part of today's diet plan and the demand is increasing day by day. Farmers could start mushroom cultivation after getting training from the department of horticulture. He said that Horticulture department provides 40% subsidy on Mushroom Production unit, Span unit and for preparing Compost unit under National Horticulture Mission.