Technologies Developed by ICAR-Directorate of Mushroom Research for Commercial Use

Abstract

Promotion of integrated farming system approach involving synergic blending of field cops, horticulture, dairy, fisheries, poultry etc. is gaining popularity in the recent times with a view to double the farmers’ income by 2022. Mushroom cultivation is one such activity which can be accommodated in any farming system module to generate regular farm income. However, mushroom cultivation in India is largely confining to button mushroom production under controlled conditions and is not viable for small scale growers. The ICAR-DMR has made great efforts to diversify the mushroom cultivation activity by standardizing the cultivation techniques for many exotic mushrooms, which can be adopted by the small scale growers at commercial level. The high yielding strains developed by ICAR-DMR in cultivated mushrooms helps to boost up the benefit cost ratios in existing mushroom production units. Hence, efforts were made to compile the information on whole range of technologies developed by ICAR-DMR to promote their adaptability at commercial scale.