Improved Mushroom Production Technologies for Skill Development and Agri Entrepreneurship under the Farmers FIRST Project on the Occasion of National Women Farmers’ Day 2026

The first technical track, focused on scientific mushroom cultivation practices and the development of mushroom-based enterprises by Dr. Chandrashekara. C, Senior Scientist, and Dr. Chaithra M, Scientist, Division of Crop Protection, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru. The sessions covered important aspects of mushroom production, including proper maintenance and handling of mushroom spawn, substrate bag preparation, and spawn running under suitable environmental conditions. Participants were also sensitised to harvesting at the appropriate stage, maintaining quality and hygiene, and following recommended practices for consistent mushroom production. The training further highlighted the potential of commercial, cottage-scale mushroom enterprises as an income-generating activity for women farmers. Emphasis was placed on developing practical skills that would enable participants to take up mushroom cultivation at the household or group level, make productive use of available resources, and explore opportunities for small-scale agri-entrepreneurship.

Dr. B. Balakrishna, Principal Scientist, ICAR-IIHR, interacted with the farmers and provided technical guidance on improved management practices for horticultural crops. The discussion focused on adopting scientific cultivation methods to improve crop growth, productivity, and quality. Farmers shared their field-level challenges and concerns related to crop management, seeds availability and other cultivation practices. He also addressed their queries and suggested suitable, need-based solutions. To encourage the adoption of improved horticultural technologies, various agricultural inputs were distributed to the farmers, including ready-to-fruit (RTF) mushroom bags, vegetable seed kits, fruit crop planting materials, and other inputs. The distribution aimed to support farmers in adopting improved production practices and diversifying their agricultural activities.

Through the technical sessions, participants gained exposure to practical production that can be adapted to their local conditions and used to develop sustainable livelihood activities. The interaction strengthened farmer–scientist linkages and facilitated the dissemination of practical technologies for sustainable horticultural development.

The combination of practical training, interaction and agricultural input distribution encouraged farmers to explore new opportunities in mushroom cultivation, horticultural processing, value addition, and collective marketing. The programme reaffirmed ICAR-IIHR’s commitment to promoting women-led agricultural enterprises, strengthening rural livelihoods, and facilitating the adoption of innovative horticultural technologies. By equipping women farmers with practical skills and knowledge, the initiative contributes towards greater economic independence, improved livelihood security, and sustainable rural development.