Three days training cum awareness programme on “Cultivation of mushroom in organic farming”.

ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya successfully organized three days training cum awareness programme on “Cultivation of mushroom in organic farming” during 28-30th January, 2019 under the Network Project on Organic Farming (NPOF). The objective of the training programme was to impart hands on training for entrepreneurship development in Mushroom Cultivation and enhancing livelihood of farmers adopting organic agriculture. Altogether 20 farmers from 3 villages under the project viz., Mynsain, Pynthor & Umden Umbathiang attended the training programme. Dr. Pankaj Baiswar, Senior Scientist (Plant Pathology), inaugurated the training cum awareness programme and explained the different cultivation practices of mushroom in organic farming. Techniques of site selection, methods of construction of mushroom house, preparation of substrate for cultivating mushroom, plant protection, post-harvest management, marketing, record keeping and SHG mobilization were thoroughly discussed in the training programme. Dr. Jayanta Layek, Scientist (Agronomy) & PI (NPOF), explained about the importance of mushroom cultivation under integrated organic farming system for efficient use of rice straw and enhancing income. Dr. Sandip Patra, Scientist (Entomology) and Dr. Utpal Dey explained about different insect pests and diseases of mushroom and their management through organic means. The programme was coordinated by scientists associated with NPOF project, Dr. Pankaj Baiswar, Dr. Jayanta Layek and Dr. Sandip Patra.

Trainees along with resource persons in the mushroom training
Hands on training for making mushroom packets