Perceived importance and benefits of mushroom cultivation among KVK-trained rural farmers

Mushroom cultivation has emerged as a viable enterprise for income generation, nutritional security and employment creation in rural and semi-urban areas. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the perceived importance and benefits of mushroom cultivation among the rural farmers undergone vocational trainings organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Bawal, Haryana. During 2022–23 to 2024–25, eight training programmes were conducted, in which 280 farmers, farm women and rural youth participated. The study assessed the socio-economic profile of trainees, their perceived importance of different components of mushroom cultivation and their perception regarding the benefits of mushroom production. Data were collected through a structured interview schedule and analyzed using frequency, percentage and weighted mean scores. Results revealed that most trainees were middle-aged, moderately educated and marginal farmers. Spawn production techniques received the highest priority among training components. A large proportion of trainees perceived mushroom cultivation as a low-capital, low-labour and profitable enterprise requiring less time and space. However, some respondents expressed reservations regarding its environmental benefits and health-related aspects. Overall, the findings indicate that mushroom cultivation training programmes significantly enhanced knowledge, perception and acceptance of mushroom production as an income-generating enterprise, highlighting the need for continued capacity-building efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods.