In the present study, an attempt had been made to analyse the economics of mushroom
farming in Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir UT for the period 2021-22. A list of
progressive farmers was obtained from the KVKs of eight districts falling in Jammu
division of J&K UT and out of all the progressive farmers, only mushroom growers
were chosen. Thus, Jammu, Samba and Kathua district were selected due to highest
number of mushroom growers practicing mushroom farming in these districts,
according to the list obtained. A total of 22 mushroom growers were selected by using
sampling without replacement method and these growers were interviewed twice and
took the data relevant to three selected years viz. 2019-20, 2021-22 and 2023-24, thus
constituting a total sample size of 66. The results have revealed that highest
investment on Kuchcha mushroom units was found to be made by mushroom growers
of Jammu district (₹203894.88) and least by Kathua district (₹158100) with an overall
average as ₹176226.63. Whereas highest investment on Pucca mushroom units was
made by growers of Kathua district (₹345600) while least by Samba district
(₹289912) with an overall average as 341874.63. This indicates clearly that
investment made was higher in case of Pucca mushroom units as compared to
Kuchcha mushroom units. As far as the share of various equipments in total
investment is concerned it was found to be highest for racks while least for
thermometers. The total cost incurred per 1000 bags per unit has shown the increasing
trend over the years which might be due to the increase in prices of various inputs
used in mushroom farming. The average cost of production per 1000 bags per unit
was ₹220067.02. Among various components of variable cost, labour contributed the
most followed by compost and spawn. Of the hired and family labour used for
mushroom farming, family labour played a significant role. Average production from
mushroom units increased to 3000 Kgs in 2023-24 from 2500 Kgs in 2019-20 thus
indicating an increasing trend over the years. Average market price per kg has also
increased from 110 per kg in 2019-20 to 150 per kg in 2023-24. On an overall basis,
the gross return obtained from the mushroom production of 1000 bags, was
₹355290.00. Thus, an overall cost-benefit ratio was calculated as 1:1.61. There were
also some challenges during the study, thus accurate data collection for mushroom
cultivation was hindered by incomplete records, fluctuating prices, species and
method variations, regional differences, labour cost variability. This study provides
insights on profitability for farmers and investors, aiding investment decisions and
resource allocation while assisting policymakers in creating supportive measures for
mushroom farming's economic viability.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L), a vital food crop in the Solanaceae family,has its origins in Peru’s Inca regions. The traditional method of utilizing the harvest from the previous season as seed tubers frequently results in the accumulation of seed borne diseases, which causes
seed degeneration and large production losses. Aeroponics, in particular, is noted for its
advantages in growing plants in a misted nutrient medium, free from soil or aggregate media.
This technique, when combined with tissue culture's meristem culture, ensures the production
of pathogen-free seed tubers by eliminating viral pathogens from the plantlets before
aeroponic propagation. The integration of these methods can overcome the limitations of
conventional techniques, offering year-round production and enhanced control over
environmental conditions. The use of aeroponics, supplemented by tissue culture, provides a
robust solution to the challenges faced in traditional potato seed production. It facilitates the
rapid multiplication of healthy, high-quality seed tubers, crucial for maintaining genetic
diversity and improving crop yields. This approach is particularly beneficial for developing
countries, where resource constraints often limit the effectiveness of conventional methods.
There is need to compile aeroponics overview to understand the significance and limitations
of the potato seed production through aeroponics for global food security. This review
underscores the importance of adopting aeroponics and tissue culture to enhance potato seed
propagation and ensure sustainable agricultural practices.

The study entitled “Adoption of paddy straw management technologies by potato growers of Jalandhar district of Punjab” was undertaken. A total of 200 potato growers were selected from the five blocks with probability proportional to size sampling method. 73, 50, 31, 31, 15 potato growers were selected from Nakodar, Adampur, Bhogpur, Jalandhar East and Jalandhar West respectively. Interview schedule was prepared and data was collected personally by interviewing potato growers.All the potato growers were found to be aware of PAU super straw management system and Rotavator while the majority of potato growers were aware about the Baler, Paddy straw chopper, Mulcher and Mould board plough. Majority of potato growers adopted PAU Super SMS, Rotavator, and paddy straw chopper in 2017 whereas mulcher and Mould board plough in 2018. Majority of potato growers adopted the PAU-recommended paddy straw management sequence of technologies in potato. Majority of the potato growers adopted mulcher and mould board ploughs in 2018 and rotavators in 2017. PAU Super straw management system has the highest extent of adoption (96.56 per cent) followed by the rotavator (95.68 per cent). Incorporation practice of paddy straw in their potato field followed 75 per cent of the potato growers.

The Kashmir Valley is home to a series of wetlands that span over 7,000 hectares.
These wetlands are recognized as some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems,
providing habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species. Additionally, wetlands are
often referred to as ecotones, highlighting their role as transitional areas between different
ecological communities. The Hokersar wetland is the queen of the wetlands of Kashmir
valley situated 10 kilometers northwest of Srinagar, was first designated as a conservation
reserve under the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978. Anchar is a
semiurban, single basin lake. This lake is situated about 14 km from Srinagar city on the
northwestern part. Once a 19.4 sq km, pristine water lake, Anchar is now shrunken to just 6.8
sq kms. The Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve, situated about 40 kilometers from
Srinagar, represents the largest remaining reed bed in the Kashmir Valley. This wetland is of
considerable ecological and ornithological importance, serving as a critical habitat for
numerous bird species and contributing to the region's biodiversity. Shallabugh is a shallow
wetland located in Sherpathri area of Ganderbal district at a distance of about 20 km in the
northwest of Srinagar city and covers an area of about 17 km 2 . Wular Lake, one of the largest
and deepest freshwater lakes in South Asia, is located near Bandipora town in the Bandipora
district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Once covering an extensive area of approximately
20,000 hectares, the lake has significantly reduced in size to around 2,400 hectares. Despite
this reduction, Wular Lake remains a popular recreational destination that attracts a large
number of tourists each year. The Tulbul Project is a "navigation lock-cum-control structure "
at the mouth of Wular Lake.  Major threats of these wetlands includes conversion for agriculture and horticulture development, increasing dependence for energy, adoption oferosion intensifying agro- practices in catchments, degradation of high altitude pastures, quarrying etc. Mitigation strategies include an immediate ban on landconversion/construction, effective solid waste management, and effective surveillance by the wildlife protection department, reduction in the use of agrochemicals and community conservation by designating it as a sacred water body based on religious faith can lead to the protection of these water bodies.