KVK-CCpur conducts training on mushroom cultivation
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 25 2025: A five-day vocational training and demonstration programme on "Organic Mushroom Production Techniques" concluded on Friday at the community hall of Lower Kom Keirap, Churachandpur district.

Organised by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Churachandpur, the training aims to generate employment opportunities for unemployed rural youth and farm women by equipping them with practical skills in sustainable mushroom cultivation.

Held from July 21, the programme conducted under the guidance of Dr Ch Baaudha Devi, head of the Regional Centre, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, was designed to support Self-Help Group (SHG) members, particularly from Lily SHG, in upgrading their skills to foster self-employment through organic farming.

KVK-CCpur conducts training on mushroom cultivation

A total of 26 participants took part in the training.

Addressing the attendees, senior scientist and head of ICAR-KVK Churachandpur, Dr Manoj Kumar Pandey, highlighted the nutritional and economic significance of mushroom cultivation.

He emphasised that Manipur's favourable climate makes it ideal for year-round mushroom farming, which can range from small-scale cottage industries to larger commercial ventures.

Dr Pandey described mushroom production as a highly efficient and eco-friendly agricultural practice that transforms agricultural waste into nutritious food, organic manure, and a profitable enterprise.

Subject matter specialist in plant protection and the programme course coordinator, Dr N Johnson Singh, delivered comprehensive training on organic mushroom production, including quality spawn generation.

He encouraged participants to become self-reliant in producing quality spawn, a move he said would empower the local farming community and present rural youth with viable agribusiness opportunities.

Dr S Roma Devi, subject matter specialist in Home Science, spoke on the processing and value addition of mushrooms, underlining its potential to enhance income and support nutritional well-being, pointing out that mushrooms, being high in protein, can play a crucial role in combating malnutrition.

In a session on sustainable practices, Dr L Somendro Singh, subject matter specialist in Soil Science, explained how used straw from mushroom cultivation can be recycled into vermicompost, contributing to efficient organic waste management.

The event also saw participation from Hr Scent Rose, chairperson of Lily SHG, who expressed gratitude to ICAR-KVK Churachandpur for its continued support in uplifting SHG members.

She encouraged fellow members to embrace agri-entrepreneurship as a means to improve their socio-economic status.

As part of the programme, participants received mushroom spawn, straw, polypropylene bags, and other essential materials required for mushroom farming.

Certificates were distributed to all trainees at the end of the session.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks from L Basil, STO (farm manager), ICAR-KVK Churachandpur.