A. Namei, Rajesha G, Christy B. K. Sangma, K. L. Meena, Lily Ngullie, Tolika Swu, Ph. Romen Sharma, K. P. Mahapatra and D. J. Rajkhowa
ICAR Nagaland Centre, Jharnapani, Medziphema, Nagaland 797106
Agriculture is the source of livelihood in Longleng district of Nagaland, with 90% of the population consisting of farming community. The main food crop grown in the district is rice (Oryza sativa L.) which is cultivated mostly in jhum fields, along with pulses, oilseeds, vegetables and other cereals as a companion crop or mixed crop. According to 2017-18 report, rice production in the district is 11,520 Mt from 5810 ha area of land (Source: Nagaland Statistical Handbook, 2018). So, every year huge quantities of paddy straws are generated which is readily available for secondary agriculture practices. So, taking the consideration of huge quantities of paddy straws being generated, NMSHE (National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem) project adopted two villages viz. Mongtikang village consisting of 100-120 ha jhum areas (approx.) and Hukphang village with 450-480 ha (approx.) of jhum areas. Traditionally, under jhum after the rice is harvested, straw is kept on the field itself and let it decompose and later burnt it which is ecologically unsustainable. Hence, it is ideal to preserve the paddy straw immediately after rice is harvested under a shade to protect from direct exposure of sunlight and rainfall for year round availability of substrate for mushroom production, as a mulching material and raw materials for vermi-composting.
Under the project series of interventions were made in order to utilized the paddy straws generated, one such being the popularizing of scientific mushroom cultivation technology among the farmers of that district. For mushroom production, Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus sp.) were chosen, as the prevailing weather conditions are suitable for its production and this particular species has got the maximum share among the other mushrooms in North East India as well as in Nagaland. Besides, the mushrooms are also known for its ample amounts of proteins (20-35%), vitamins and fibre apart from having certain medicinal properties, which will also act as the additional dietary supplements for the poor farmers.
Initially for the intervention, numbers of hands on training programmes were conducted since the year 2017 and trial on Oyster mushroom cultivation with low cost mushroom production units were established at Hukphang and Mongtikang village under this project. Total 6 units with forty five (45) beneficiaries adopted this technology. Inputs viz. mushroom spawn, transparent poly bag, watering can, plastic robe etc. were provided to the beneficiaries. The yield of mushrooms per bag (of 250g capacity) and per unit was recorded. It was found that yield of mushroom was 56.5 kg per unit and 1.4 kg per bag. Net benefit was Rs. 14,495/- with benefit cost ratio of 3.8:1, and this data was upto the year 2019 and still the production process is continuing with so much acceptance from the farmers of those villages in Longleng district.
Demonstration on mushroom cultivation technology
Mushroom production unit at Hukphang village
Low cost mushroom production unit at Mongtikang village
