Shillong, Sep 14: A two-day training on oyster mushroom cultivation was conducted recently in Williamnagar in East Garo Hills under Mushroom Mission.
There were 76 participants, including 52 women. Besides theory on mushroom cultivation, post-harvest technology and marketing strategy, there was hands on training and briefing on account opening and loan payment.
Mushroom is being cultivated in East Garo Hills since 2010. There are more than 150 cultivators in the district.
Spawns are usually procured from Tura Mushroom Centre, Sangsanggre and Mendipathar Multipurpose Cooperative Society. In the initial years, the spawn qualities were superior resulting in higher production. However, due to decline in spawn quality, the production decreased in the subsequent years. Farmers are growing mushroom for both consumption and sale.
Since the raw materials are easily available and the market demand is rising for mushroom and mushroom products, its cultivation has high potential in the district. Moreover, it helps in income generation and enhances livelihood of the farmers.
