| The ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar organized a Demonstration-cum-Training Program on “Paddy Straw Mushroom Cultivation” on 25 August 2026 at Mahulpunji village, Dhenkanal Sadar, Dhenkanal under the project Integration of Biofortified Tuber Crops in Cropping System for Nutrition and Livelihood Improvement of Farm Families. The objective of the training was to strengthen technical competency of women farmers in mushroom cultivation as a viable component of diversified and sustainable farming systems. The programme emphasized the scientific principles and practical aspects of paddy straw mushroom cultivation, particularly its suitability for smallholder farming households owing to its relatively low initial investment, limited space requirement and scope for utilizing locally available agricultural crop residues. Paddy straw, which is often underutilized or disposed of after harvest, can be efficiently transformed into a nutritious food product and an additional source of farm income through mushroom cultivation. The technical session and hands-on demonstration covering the major stages of production, including selection of quality paddy straw, soaking and pasteurization, substrate conditioning, bed preparation, spawning, maintenance of appropriate moisture and environmental conditions, crop monitoring, harvesting and post-harvest handling. Participants were also sensitized to common production constraints, contamination management, hygienic practices and quality considerations essential for successful mushroom production. In this program, inputs like good quality mushroom spawn and gram flour (besan) were provided to the scheduled caste participants under the SCSP. A total of 40 women farmer were participated in the programme. The program was coordinated by Dr. Tania Seth, Scientist, ICAR-CIWA. |
