Diplomat Correspondent
Leh: DD, As part of its ongoing 10-day awareness program , the District Hub for Empowerment of Women, Leh, under the Mission Shakti initiative, organized an insightful exposure visit for students specializing in Botany and Mushroom cultivation skills from EJM College.
The visit took the participants to Ladakh Agri Tech, a leading local farming production unit renowned for its innovative mushroom cultivation practices.
Sonam Angmo, a pioneering agri-entrepreneur and owner of Ladakh Agri Tech, welcomed the students and provided a comprehensive briefing on the mushroom cultivation process. An esteemed agri-biotechnologist with a Master’s in Agri-Biotechnology, Angmo highlighted the numerous benefits of locally grown mushrooms, including their high nutritional value as a protein-rich, low-investment crop ideal for Ladakh’s unique high-altitude climate. She emphasized how mushrooms serve as a sustainable winter crop, contributing to waste bioconversion and economic empowerment for rural communities, particularly women.
The visit included a full guided tour of the production house, Angmo inspired the group to bridge the gap between theoretical classroom knowledge and practical application, encouraging them to explore entrepreneurship in sustainable agriculture. “Mushroom cultivation not only supplements income but also promotes eco-friendly farming in our region,” she noted during the session.
The program concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing students to clarify doubts and discuss potential challenges in scaling up local production.
Accompanying the students were Rinchen Angmo, Assistant Professor of Botany at EJM College; Zakir Hussain, Skill Instructor and Taira, Lab Assistant, who expressed appreciation for the opportunity to foster real-world learning.
This exposure visit aligns with the District Hub’s mission to equip young women and students with practical skills for economic independence and sustainable livelihoods.DD
