NATIONAL MUSHROOM DAY 2018 CELEBRATED AT ICAR, MANIPUR CENTRE
The National Mushroom Day 2018 which falls on December 23 every year was celebrated at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre in collaboration with Agri-Business Incubation Centre on 22 December, 2018 under the theme “Mushroom in Vertical Farming”. The inaugural function of the said event was graced by Shri K. Kipgen, Director, Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur; Dr. R. Ravi Babu, Deputy General Manager, NABARD, Manipur RO and Dr. I. Meghachandra Singh, Joint Director, ICAR Manipur Centre as Chie Guest, Guest of Honour and President, respectively.
Shri K Kipgen, Director (H&SC), in his speech as Chief Guest lauded ICAR for organizing such important event and highlighted the potential of mushroom in a small state like Manipur. He also described the schemes of MIDH which can be availed by mushroom growers in the state. Dr. R. Ravi Babu, DGM (NABARD) emphasized the role of mushroom for doubling the farmers’ income and transforming the livelihood of the mushroom growers; while Dr. I. M. Singh in his presidential speech emphasized the eco-friendly way of mushroom production and also highlighted the mushroom technologies developed and disseminated by ICAR. The welcome address and vote of thanks were delivered by Dr. M. R. Sahoo and Dr. S. S. Roy, respectively and Dr. Arati Ningombam has acted as moderator in the said event.
More than 50 mushroom growers from different parts of the state, ICAR scientists and representative from KVKs and NABARD participated in the programme. Presentations on mushroom production and processing were made by ICAR experts during technical session. One mushroom exhibition was also organized as an integral part of the said event. Leima Mushroom, Imphal East; Hee Yai Mushroom, Imphal East and Aapihang Food Processing Centre; Chandel were awarded first, second and third prize, respectively in the valedictory function.
