Centre for Mushroom Research and Training Department of Plant Pathology, CSKHPKV, Palampur-176062
National Symposium on Strategic Issues in Plant Pathological Research held at Department of Plant Pathology, CSK HP Krishi Vishvavidayalaya, Palampur on November 24–25, 2011
Mushroom cultivation has emerged a highly lucrative agro-industry among the rural folks. The mushroom centre of the university imparts training to the people on various aspects of mushroom growing. Around 650 persons including 200 women have been trained during the last three years and nearly 175 persons have already taken up mushroom growing activity which is supplementing their income. More than 6000 kg quality spawn of cultivated mushrooms is being produced by the university every year. This spawn produces around 200 tons of fresh mushrooms worth rupees 20 million annually. Some progressive women growers have achieved a yield of about 23–25 kg per 100 kg of the compost and earned profit between Rs. 25000 - 30000 per 100 bags. Similarly many growers are making good profit out of this activity which is picking up further after the commissioning of compost production unit of the university. Cultivation of oyster mushroom (dhingri) is gradually becoming popular due to its simple cultivation technique and availability of wide range of substrates. This mushroom has become very favorable with the women farmers particularly in the Hamirpur district. They interact with university scientists and narrate their success stories. Introduction of milky mushroom has generated a lot of fascination amongst farmers owing to its unique qualities. One progressive grower harvested more than 80 Kg. fresh milky mushrooms from 25 bags. He sold the produce between Rs. 100–125 per Kg at the doorstep. He invested only Rs. 300/- for the purchase of spawn and used wheat straw substrate from his own farm. His experiences are very encouraging for expanding milky mushroom cultivation in the lower areas of the state. Mushroom cultivation does not attract much labour and family members can look after different operations easily. Mushroom growing is a very good option for the unemployed and the women for earning livelihood. Few enterprising growers are opting for cultivation of medicinal mushrooms like reishi and shiitake. Mushrooms can successfully be grown in small houses and almost every household can spare a room for undertaking this venture.
