ICAR IIHR CHES, Chettalli organizes Exhibition cum Training Programme on Mushroom Cultivation on 25 September 2026

The programme  started with inauguration of exhibition on the mushroom diversity; value added products and farmer samples. Various mushrooms including oyster mushroom types such as Tuber ELM, King and Pink, along with Lion’s Mane, Macrocybe, Shiitake, Milky Mushroom, and Brown and White Shimeji (Beech) mushrooms were displayed. Value-added products such as chutney powder, pickles and cookies were also displayed. The programme strengthened farmer–scientist interaction and promoted the adoption of scientific mushroom cultivation practices in Kodagu and the surrounding areas.

The inaugural session commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Muralidhara B. M., Head I/C, CHES, Chettalli. The guest of honour, Mr. Bose Mandanna, Progressive Planter and Former Vice-Chairman, Coffee Board, spoke on soil health, ideal conditions for mushroom cultivation, market demand, marketing and the potential for value addition. Dr. Prakash Patil, Project Coordinator, AICRP on Fruits, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, highlighted the suitability of the Kodagu region for different crops and emphasized the importance of crop diversification.

The Chief Guest, Prof. Ashok S. Alur, highlighted the importance of mushroom cultivation as an income-generating enterprise with potential for value addition, climate-change adaptation and small- to large-scale production using standardized technologies. Prof. T. K. Behara, Director, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, highlighted the importance of the station and referred to the book Coorg: The Cookbook by Kaveri Ponnapa and its mention of mushroom products. He also highlighted mushrooms as a source of Vitamin D. He further emphasized the importance of scientific information on exotic, smart and underutilized crops. The extension folder on “Scientific Cultivation of Oyster Mushroom” and the catalogue on “Wild Fruits of Western Ghats” were released during the programme, followed by the felicitation of progressive mushroom growers. A licence agreement was also exchanged with Eden Gardens Nursery for the multiplication of the rambutan variety Arka Coorg Arun. The formal vote of thanks was proposed by Mrs. Harita Mohan.

A technical session on “Introduction to Mushroom and its Nutraceutical Properties” was delivered by Ms. Haritha Mohan M., Scientist, CHES, Chettalli, covering the importance and nutritional and nutraceutical aspects of mushrooms. Dr. Chandrashekara C., Senior Scientist, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, delivered a session on “Scientific Cultivation of Different Types of Mushrooms”, covering scientific production practices. The farmer–scientist interaction session provided an opportunity to discuss practical aspects of mushroom cultivation and share farmers’ experiences.

As part of the exhibition and competitions, Shrimati Deepa Vivek received the first prize and Shri Yakshit P. J. received the second prize in the value-added products display competition. Shri Yogesh C. M. received the first prize, while Kavaka Agro Ventures, Bengaluru, received the second prize for mushroom grow bags. The exhibition provided farmers, growers and students with an opportunity for information exchange and knowledge sharing.