Mushroom cultivation in Bangladesh: Is there prospect?

The study was conducted in Savar Upazila under Dhaka district of Bangladesh. The specific objectives of this article are: (i) assessment of profitability of mushroom cultivation, (ii) examination of post harvest practices performed by the growers; (iii) identification of actors involved in value chain of mushroom and (iv) suggestion of measures for further improvement of mushroom cultivation. Mushroom is one of the profitable enterprises with multifarious advantages for the society of Bangladesh. Per cycle total cost of Mushroom cultivation by using ready bag method was Tk. 11676 for 765 packet spawn. Gross return per cycle of mushroom cultivation was estimated at Tk. 29697. Net return per spawn packet came to Tk. 23.55. Post-harvest practices of mushroom included grading, packing, preservation, canning, drying and pickling. Problems faced by the actors in production and marketing of mushroom and the probable suggestions are made.