The UT of Jammu and Kashmir has distinct agro climatic zones comprising subtropical, intermediate, temperate and cold arid zones. The Kashmir Valley falls under temperate zone and the forests consists of both conifers as well as broad leaved tree species. Besides tree species, several types of mushrooms are found in Kashmir Valley. Kashmir possesses a prime place in the variety and galaxy of macro fungi due to wide agro-climatic variations, diverse physiographic and undulating topography. However, the documentation of mushroom flora is still in pioneer stage and a large number of fungi are yet to be un-recorded from the area. Mushroom season in Kashmir can be witnessed best from the spring up to the early snowfall. Kashmir is the best place for mushroom cultivation and processing. Most of the people in Kashmir belong to rural background and have little resources to meet their essential needs. Mushroom cultivation on commercial scale can help the landless, small and marginal farmers of these hilly areas to increase their income, which can help them to diversify their economic activity. It can provide and raise sufficient employment opportunities for the unemployed youth, and weaker sections of the society.
Kashmir, Mushrooms, Documentation, Employment
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