A “Skill Development Training on Organic Oyster Mushroom Cultivation” was organized at Panchwati, Rangat, from 11th to 13th September 2024, as part of the 100-days Action Plan. The training was conducted by ICAR-KVK, Nimbudera in response to the prior demands of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the region and aimed at empowering women with the necessary skills to start small-scale mushroom businesses. The program was inaugurated by Shri. Venkat Rao, Gram Pradhan, Sivapuram gram panchayat, who encouraged the women SHG members to take full advantage of the training. He stressed the economic potential of mushroom cultivation and assured the participants of his full support in their entrepreneurial ventures.
Dr. V. Damodaran, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK Nimbudera, highlighted the immense potential of mushroom cultivation in the region, explaining how women can not only create economic opportunities for themselves but also benefit local communities. He further elaborated on the growing demand for organically cultivated mushrooms due to their nutritional benefits and market value.
In the technical sessions that followed, resource person from ICAR-CIARI, Dr. Nitu Sandhu, Woman Scientist, DST, educated the participants on various methods of substrate production using agricultural waste materials like paddy straw, sawdust, and banana leaves. Her session provided insight into how SHG members can turn waste into valuable inputs for mushroom cultivation.
Mr. Yatharth Sharma, SMS (Home Science), KVK Nimbudera, focused on the processing and value addition of oyster mushrooms. He explained how SHG members can produce high-quality; market-demanded products like Oyster Mushroom Powder, Dried Oyster Mushroom, Mushroom Pickles, Mushroom Soup Mix and Mushroom-based Snacks and earn additional income. He also emphasized the exceptional nutritional value of Oyster mushrooms, which are a rich source of essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamin D, potassium, and antioxidants making them an ideal choice for a balanced and nutritious diet. Additionally, he discussed innovative methods for utilizing spent mushroom substrate, which could be repurposed as compost, ensuring a zero-waste cycle and additional revenue streams for the participants.
Mr. Mohit, SMS (Plant Protection), KVK, Port Blair, provided a hands-on demonstration on the preparation of mushroom grow bags. He further explained the importance of properly setting up and managing the cultivation chamber and shared techniques to prevent contamination from insect pests and other physical agents, ensuring higher yield and quality.
The participants expressed great enthusiasm and appreciation for the training. The comprehensive approach, combining both theoretical knowledge and practical demonstrations, ensured that the SHG members were equipped with the skills necessary to begin their own mushroom cultivation ventures.
The training concluded with a discussion on future prospects and the support system available through ICAR KVK Nimbudera and the local authorities, ensuring that the women SHGs have the tools they need to successfully implement what they learned.
Earlier, Shri Yatharth Sharma welcomed the gathering and provided an overview of the training program. The program was organized under the overall guidance of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair. About 44 women from Deep, Dream Team, Eagle Fly, Asha and Atal SHGs participated and benefited from the training.