Dimapur, January 7 (MExN): A young innovative spawn producer, Rajib Mondal from Dimapur, was felicitated for commercial production of mushroom spawn for the benefit of mushroom growers of Nagaland during the National Mushroom Day observed by ICAR Research Complex NEH Region, Nagaland Centre on December 23. He was felicitated by Joint Director of ICAR, Nagaland Centre, Dr. DJ Rajkhowa.
Rajib established the spawn producing lab and is practicing mushroom cultivation with the help of ICAR Research Complex, Nagaland Centre, according to a press release from ICAR, Nagaland Centre.
Along with the observance of the day, ICAR Research Complex NEH Region, Nagaland Centre conducted training cum demonstration on mushroom cultivation at its premises in Medziphema for the farmers and rural youths.
During the programme, a presentation on “Importance of mushroom in human diet” was given by Dr. Rajesha, G., Scientist (Plant Pathology) to create awareness about the nutritional and medicinal importance of mushroom in the human diet for people of all age groups.
At the valedictory programme, Dr. DJ Rajkhowa, Joint Director motivated the participants to come up as entrepreneurs in spawn and mushroom production to mitigate the problem of spawn availability and nutritional security in Nagaland.
With an aim to increase mushroom production in the state, ICAR Research Complex, Nagaland Centre also distributed 100 spawn packets to the fresh mushroom cultivating farmers to start mushroom cultivation. A small exhibition depicting the method of mushroom cultivation and types of commercial edible mushroom available for the cultivation was also held for the farmers on the same day.
The release noted that the state of Nagaland has a large scope of recycling the paddy waste for mushroom cultivation by utilising the wastes for growing mushrooms to enhance income and impart higher level of sustainability. ICAR Research Complex, Nagaland Centre has been putting sincere effort towards the improvement of livelihood and nutritional security by promoting mushroom cultivation for the rural youths and women Self Help Groups, it added.
