Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Patiala, under the guidance of the Directorate of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University, conducted a five-day vocational training programme on Mushroom Cultivation as a Subsidiary Occupation from August 28 to September 3, 2024. The training saw the participation of 36 farmers and farm women from various villages in the Patiala district.
Dr. Rachna Singla, Professor of Horticulture and course coordinator, provided in-depth knowledge on the production, packing, storage, and marketing of button, dhingri, and shiitake mushrooms.
The programme featured a series of presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on practice sessions, covering topics such as button mushroom compost preparation, casing material preparation, and spawning in dhingri mushrooms. Participants were encouraged to engage in self-marketing of fresh, dried, or canned mushrooms for greater profitability.
Mr. Rajnish Tuli, AGM of PAIC, Chandigarh, informed participants about subsidy and credit schemes available through the Horticulture Department.
Progressive mushroom grower S. Paramjit Singh shared his success story and practical experiences, offering valuable insights to the trainees. Additionally, the trainees visited Sh. Kulwinder Singh’s ‘Maya’ Mushroom Farm in Vill. Khanpur near Rajpura by-pass, where they gained direct exposure to an AC Mushroom Production Unit and interacted with the grower.
Dr. Gurupdesh Kaur, Professor of Community Science, delivered a lecture on the nutritional and medicinal benefits of mushrooms in our diet.
Dr. Rajni Goel, Associate Professor of Food Science and Technology, conducted a session on preparing healthy recipes and mushroom pickles. On the fourth day,
Dr. GPS Sodhi, Additional Director of Extension Education (ADEE) engaged with participants and encouraged them to pursue entrepreneurship in the mushroom cultivation sector.
The programme concluded with Dr. Hardeep Singh Sabhikhi, Deputy Director (Training) at KVK Patiala, discussing the significant potential of mushroom cultivation as a profitable enterprise.
Read more: https://www.pau.edu/index.php?_act=manageEvent&DO=viewEventDetail&dataE=datae&intID=9556
