Reiterating Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government's commitment for promoting crop diversification in the state, Horticulture Minister S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra today assured mushroom growers that their issues would be addressed soon.
Chairing a meeting of officials of departments of Horticulture, Industry & Commerce, PSPCL and mushroom growers, S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra emphasized the significant contribution of mushroom cultivators in the crop diversification in the state and It is a lucrative occupation as the consumption of this produce is high.
Mushroom growers apprised the Horticulture Minister that approximately 200 small and large units are producing mushrooms across the state. Apart from this, many farmers are engaged in mushroom cultivation in unorganized manner.
They said, since they only producing mushrooms, the mushroom units should be incorporated in the agricultural occupation. During the summer season mushroom production becomes increasingly difficult and electricity supply costs rise, they added.
The Cabinet Minister instructed officials that the farmers are not engaging in any manufacturing activities in their units, but solely involved in farming mushrooms. Hence, there is a need to redefine this occupation. Similarly, the situation should also be made clear to the Department of Labour, Factories and Weighing and Measurement so that the mushroom growers do not face any problem.
He assured the mushroom growers that concerted efforts will be made to address their concerns. Cabinet Minister S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra also directed officials for swift resolution of mushroom growers' issues. Therefore, the next meeting will involve officials from the Labour, Factories and Weighing & Measurement Departments, instructed the Cabinet Minister.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Mr. Puneet Goyal, Director Industry & Commerce, Mrs. Shailender Kaur, Director Horticulture, Mr. Damanjeet Singh Toor, Deputy Chief PSPCL and Mrs. Amanpreet Kaur Horticulture Development Officer.