ICAR Sikkim Centre Training on Spawn Production in Oyster Mushroom Concluded
ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, Gangtok organized six days ‘Hands on Training Programme on Oyster Mushroom Spawn Production’ for the tribal farmers of Sikkim under the aegis of Tribal Sub Plan during April 17-22, 2015. This programme was organized with the aim to train the farmers on spawn production, mushroom cultivation, post-harvest management techniques of oyster mushroom to improve livelihood and nutritional security of the resource poor tribal farmers. More than 25 farmers from North and East Sikkim were trained on various aspects of mushroom cultivation in this training programme.
During the valedictory function while addressing the farmers Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR, Sikkim Centre, highlighted that this training program was organized specially for the women empowerment and self-employment generation. He said that mushrooms are important healthy food and contain less fat but more vitamins, minerals and protein. He appealed the farmers to undertake mushroom farming on commercial scale to harness the full benefit of this training programme. He also assured the farmers of technical and input support from ICAR Sikkim Centre for mushroom production.
Shri P.T. Bhutia, Director (Horticulture) HCCDD, Govt. of Sikkim graced the valedictory function as ‘Chief Guest’. In his address, he appreciated the efforts taken by the ICAR Sikkim Centre to train the farmers in spawn and mushroom production through this important training programme. He told the farmers that HCCDD, Govt. of Sikkim would like to help the farmers by forming FIGs (Farmers Interest Groups) for spawn production and mushroom cultivation in North Sikkim. He emphasized on the importance of crop diversification to reap the maximum benefits from crop production.
During the technical sessions of six day training programme, Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director detailed the ‘mushroom production in Sikkim- an overview’; Dr. H. Kalita, Principal Scientist (Entomology), delivered on ‘insect pest management in mushroom production’; Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) discussed on the ‘post-harvest management in mushroom’; Dr. R. Gopi, Scientist (Plant Pathology) detailed on ‘disease management in organic mushroom cultivation’ to the participants. During the training program, all the participants also visited the ICAR Sikkim Centre Research Farm and were briefed about the ongoing research and development activities. Besides training, the necessary inputs like inoculation hood, pressure cooker, mother spawn, polythene envelopes and other ingredients required for mushroom production were distributed to the trainees. The participants were provided with copies of structured resource materials and relevant publications of the Institute. Farmers expressed their satisfaction and showed eagerness of undertaking mushroom. Earlier, Dr. R. Gopi, Scientist (Plant Pathology), welcomed all the participants and briefed about the training and its relevance to the people of Sikkim. Dr. AshishYadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) proposed the vote of thanks. Shri S.M. Kandwal, Technical Officer coordinated the inaugural and valedictory events of this training program.
Shri Singh said there is a shortage of green fodder to the tune of 40-50% which needs to be addressed through a fodder revolution in the country. The work onMoringa Oleifera biomass based complete feed technology is an initiative in this direction to fulfill the gap in the availability of green fodder to the livestock in the country.
Dr. S. Ayappyan , Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR emphasized on goat husbandry for the nutritional security, rural employment and prosperity to the millions of farmers in the country. In his address he called upon the scientists and policy planners to ensure PPP i.e. Protein, Paisa and Prestige to the farmers in the country.
Dr. K.M.L. Pathak, DDG (AS), said technology generated by the scientists in the is reaching to the hands of the farmers through various ICAR institutions and KVKs by encouraging plantation of Moringa Oleifera and promoting use of its leaves as source of green fodder/ nutrition to the livestock.
Dr. S.K. Agarwal, Director, ICAR-CIRG presented a brief profile of the institute and its major achievements.On this occasion Dr. U.B. Chaudhary, Head NFRPT, CIRG presented research findings of his project on Moringa Oleifera (Sahjan) biomass based complete feed for goats. Initial results indicated usefulness of Moringa leaves as a source of nutrition as it contains 16.64% crude protein and is readily consumed by the goats.
Shri A. K. Jha, DG, NIESBUD, Noida, Govt. of India and Shri A.K. Mohanty, General Manager, NABARD, New Delhi were also present on the occasion.
(Source: ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom)
