See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/282759209

MUSHROOM SCENARIO IN INDIA

Chapter · July 2012

CITATIONS READS

4 24,117

2 authors:

Singh Manjit Shwet Kamal

37 PUBLICATIONS 424 CITATIONS

Directorate of Mushroom Research
120 PUBLICATIONS 1,272 CITATIONS
SEE PROFILE
SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Shwet Kamal on 12 October 2015.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Agriculture Year Book 2012

Mushroom Scenario in India

countries. At present, world mushroom natural resources as well as increased
production is increasing @ 7% per productivity is recycling of agro-wastes
annum. China is an example of success including agro-industrial waste. Utilising
(Fig.1) through low cost community these wastes for growing mushrooms
based technology for mushroom can enhance income and impart higher
production and diversification of level of sustainability.
specialty mushrooms making it a India produces about 600
leading mushroom producing country million tonnes of agricultural wastes
Manjit Singh and Shwet Kamal in the world. per annum and a major part of it is left
Directorate of Mushroom Research, out to decompose naturally or burnt
Chambaghat, Solan (HP) Mushroom production scenario in in situ. This can effectively be utilized

M
India to produce high quality food such as
ushrooms has Agriculture is the main strength mushrooms followed by utilization
always fascinated of Indian economy and with variety of spent mushroom substrate by
man due to their of agricultural crops grown today; converting it into organic manure for
sudden appearance we have achieved food security by crop plants. Mushroom production in
in number, groups, producing over 250 million tonnes of the country started in the 70s but with
rings, bunches and also in isolation food grains. However, our struggle the development of the technologies
as a single attractive and imposing to achieve nutritional security for environmental controls and
structure. Their sudden appearance is still on. The ever-increasing understanding of the cropping systems,
has often led to various beliefs and population, shrinking agricultural land, mushroom production shot up from
notions such as their association environmental issues, water budgeting mere 5000 tonnes in 1990 to about
with thunder-storm and lightening. and quality food demands are going 1,20,000 tonnes at present (Fig.2).
References about the mushrooms are to be burning issues. To meet these Today, commercially grown species are
available in most ancient literature like challenges, diversification in food button and oyster mushrooms, followed
Vedas and Bible. Theophrastus (372- portfolio in areas like horticulture is by paddy straw, milky mushroom, etc.
287 BC), the great Greek philosopher of paramount importance in order Two to three crops of button mushroom
wrote about food value of mushroom to impart sustainability to farming are grown seasonally in temperate
during middle Ages when mushroom system. One of the major areas that regions; while one crop is raised in
comprised royal dishes for Greek and can contribute towards conservation of North Western plains of India seasonally
Roman emperors. In fact, mushrooms
have existed even long before man
appeared, as is evident from the fossil-
records of lower cretaceous period,
i.e., about 130 million years ago.
Mankind has devoured mushrooms
as food since time immemorial after
collecting from the forests. Though
Chinese were the first to do the artificial
cultivation of the tropical and subtropical
mushrooms, about thousand years ago,
real commercial ventures were started
by the Europeans who cultivated
button mushroom in caves during 16th
and 17th century. Mushrooms are now
getting significant importance due to
their nutritive and medicinal values and
income generating venture in about 100 Fig.1. Major contributors in world mushroom production (2009)

83
 few medium size commercial units are
exporting mushrooms to the American,
European and other countries regularly.
Mushrooms possess significant health
benefits and medicinal properties
including anti-cancer effect. India can
enter into a big and lucrative international
trade in the medicinal mushrooms,
presently monopolized by some East
Asian countries and America. There
is tremendous scope for diversifying
mushroom export by including other
mushroom species. With the current
growth rate of the Indian economy, the
domestic market too for the mushrooms
is likely to enlarge sooner than later.
Mushroom industry is getting its due
support both from the public as well as
Fig.2. Mushroom production/productivity scenario in India private funding agencies and is making
rapid strides under the Govt.’s policy of
with minor adjustment in climate consumer. By just diverting 1% of agro-
liberalization and globalization.
parameters in growing rooms. Oyster, wastes towards mushroom production,
However, the challenges
paddy straw and milky mushrooms are India can produce 3 million tonnes of
and opportunities thrown by this
grown seasonally in the tropical/sub- mushroom and about 15 million tonnes
unconventional crop are a bit different
tropical areas like Orissa, Maharashtra, of compost. The per capita consumption
particularly with reference to India.
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, of mushroom in India is a dismal 30-40
Today India is not only self-sufficient
Karnataka and North Eastern region g as compared to 2-3 kg in USA and
in the production of food grains,
from April to October. The present Europe. India itself is a big market and
but is also in a position to export
production of white button mushroom increase of per capita consumption
several agricultural commodities. But
is about 85% of the total production of even up to 100 g from present figure
mushroom scenario in India is not that
mushrooms in the country. will help growers to market over 1.00
rosy. The cultivation of white button
The mushroom production lakh ton mushroom within the country.
mushroom - Agaricus bisporus has
systems in India are of mixed type On the export front also, till 1993,
come a long way. There are farmers
i.e., seasonal farming as well as high- Indian contribution to the world trade
still growing mushrooms on compost
tech industry (Fig.3). Mushroom was almost negligible, but it was for
prepared by long method and there are
growing is a highly labour-oriented the first time, during 1994, India not
commercial units that have shifted to
venture and labour availability is no only figured in the US imports but also
bunkers or almost indoor composting
constraint in this country and two emerged as the second largest exporter
technology.
factors, that is, availabilities of raw of canned mushrooms replacing Taiwan.
Regular supply of energy at
materials and labour, make mushroom Now a big Export Oriented Unit (rated
affordable costs is one of the
cultivation economically profitable in as one of the biggest in the world) and
India. Moreover, scope for intense Fig. 3. Two systems of mushroom farming A – environmentally controlled; B -
diversification by cultivation of other Seasonal
edible mushrooms like oyster, shiitake, A B
milky and medicinal mushrooms are
additional opportunities for Indian
growers. Although India is endowed
with favorable natural agro-climate and
a rich source of agro-wastes that could
be exploited for cultivation of diverse
mushroom species, our country does
not have any significant status either
as a mushroom producer or as a

84
 Agriculture Year Book 2012

constraints in commercial production of

mushrooms. An important strategy to
cut down the energy cost is to diversify
and grow different mushrooms as per
the natural conditions. There have been
rapid changes and fluctuations in prices
and demand due to global recession.
The important lesson to be learnt from
this scenario is that it will be appropriate
to diversify in terms of different types of
mushrooms, the mushroom products
as well as the regions for supply of
different mushrooms and products.
This will provide buffering to counter
the ill effects of fluctuations in prices
and demand. It is possible to cultivate
mushrooms under varied climatic
conditions. Some of the important
Fig.5.Oyster Mushroom under cultivation
mushrooms for temperate, sub-tropical
and tropical conditions are briefly affected due to cheap Chinese product. Pradesh and other areas where
described below: In recent years, medium size projects temperature remains below 20°C
were established with the indigenous during winter season. In this
A. Button Mushroom (Agaricus machineries making projects cost- situation cost of production is low.
spp.) effective. Majority of such projects are 3. Raw materials are easily and
This is still the most popular variety near big cities. In Northern States viz, cheaply available for compost and
for domestic as well as export market Haryana, Punjab and UP, seasonal casing material.
(Fig.4). Its cultivation is being done farms grow button mushroom during 4. Awareness about food and
by Hitech projects, medium scale units the winter season for local market and medicinal values is increasing in
and also by the seasonal farms. Initially also for canning. However, in seasonal the country thus creating better
when Hitech projects were set up, they farms fluctuating yields and insect pest domestic market.
and disease incidence are common 5. Transport facilities are available
problems resulting in losses. In such both by land and air.
activities, community based approach 6. There is increasing market for post
by establishing common facilities for harvest products like pickle and
quality compost and spawn production soup powder.
and marketing will be helpful to do
cultivation successfully and generate Limitations
income. At present, button mushroom 1. High cost of energy for year rounds
is being produced in HP, UP, Punjab, production
Haryana, Maharashtra, AP, Tamil Nadu 2. Un-organized production and sale
Fig. 4. White button mushroom under
and Karnataka. particularly by seasonal farmers
cultivation
3. Lack of facilities to produce quality
faced several problems viz, quality of Advantages compost, casing material, spawn
raw materials used, paddy straw based 1. There are good opportunities in and processed products
compost was difficult to produce quality India both for domestic and export
compost, casing material and spawn market for button mushroom. B. Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus
and high cost of imported machineries 2. Seasonal production is possible spp.)
and equipments. This resulted in in big way in Jammu and This is the most popular temperate/
inconsistent yields or even crop failures Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, subtropical variety (Fig.5). For
and high cost of production. High cost Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, temperate region Pleurotus ostreatus,
of energy added further to higher cost Uttaranchal, Bihar, West Bengal, P. florida (winter strain) and P. fossulatus
of production. Export market was also North Eastern Region, Madhya (Kabul dhingri), P. eryngii (King oyster)

85
are ideal. The areas suitable for button strain 5. It is suitable for pickling and chutney
mushroom are equally suitable for 3. Limited consumer demand in production.
the cultivation of these species. Most some parts of the country.
of the oyster mushroom species are C. Paddy straw mushroom E. Wood ear mushroom
subtropical in nature and grow well (Volvariellaspp.) (Auriculariaspp.)
in temperature range of 20-32°C. This species can be grown upto It is subtropical mushroom most
The most popular ones are P. sajor- 40°C and is highly popular in Odisha popular among Chinese population
caju, P. flordia, P. flabellatus, P. eous. and adjoining coastal areas and is (Fig.8). It is used as medicine
Oyster mushroom in dried form can be cultivated round the year. This is particularly for stomach problems. It
exported. This variety is most suitable perhaps the only mushroom being grows well on wood log, sawdust,
for production in India due to the cultivated under the shade of trees. Its cotton mill waste, paddy and wheat
following reasons. flavour is excellent and cropping cycle straw. There is good scope in country
is shortest. Mushroom should however particularly in areas with very high
Advantages be harvested at button or egg stage humidity. It grows well in high RH (90%
1. It grows on wide range of agricultural (Fig.6). This grows well on paddy straw and above).
wastes supplemented with pasteurized cotton
2. It can grow in wide range of seed hulls and chicken manure. The
temperatures only limiting factor in this mushroom is
3. Its conversion rate i.e., mushroom its short shelf-life.
production from the substrate is
highest (BE 100%) D. Milky Mushroom
4. It is less prone to diseases and (Calocybeindica)
competitor moulds than other This is a new addition to the
mushrooms domesticated mushroom family suitable
5. Faster growth rate and easy for tropical region (Fig.7). Cultivation of Fig.8. Jew’s ear mushroom
cropping milky mushroom has become popular
6. Low cost of production in Tamil Nadu, A.P. and Karnataka. This F. Shiitake
7. Most suitable for rural areas and is tropical mushroom next to paddy This is one of the most popular
can create self employment to mushrooms both as food and medicine
people (Fig.9). At global level it has second
8. Easy to post harvest processing position and contributes 24% to total
particularly dehydration mushroom production. In India, its
9. Its cultivation by poor people cultivation is neglegible. However,
can improve their socioeconomic experiments show that this variety can
status. be successfully grown on saw dust
when temperature is about 20°C. There
Limitations is good scope for the cultivation in the
1. Spore allergy to certain people. country. This may become a popular
Fig.7. Milky mushroom
2. Lack of sporeless commercial variety in domestic market and has
straw. It is an attractive milky white good potential for export.
mushroom with excellent shelf life. It
enjoys certain other advantages:
1. It grows on a wide range of
agricultural wastes;
2. It grows on higher range of
temperature hence suitable for
tropical region (25-37°C).
3. Its keeping quality is excellent and
it does not turn brown.
4. Its conversion rate is very high as
in case of oyster mushroom (BE
Fig.9. Shiitake mushroom under
Fig. 6. Paddy straw mushroom 70-80%). cultivation

86
 Agriculture Year Book 2012

well suited to the country for varied

reasons such as:
1. Mushroom production is indoor
activity using vertical space hence
does not compete with agricultural
land thus suited to small farmers
and landless labourers.
2. Many agricultural wastes can be
utilized to produce quality food
and organic manure for field crops.
Besides, mushroom have high bio-
efficiency i.e., conversion of dry
substrate into fresh mushroom.
3. It can generate self-employment,
alleviate poverty and improve
socioeconomic status of women,
youth and unemployed in the rural
areas.
Fig.10. Flamullina velutipes 4. It can provide nutritional security
under cultivation particularly to poor people through
G. Flammulina velutipes incorporating mushrooms in their
Flammulina velutipes, commoly diets.
refered as winter mushroom, is popular
in East Asian countries and is known To promote mushroom cultivation in
for its nutritional and medicinal value India
(Fig.10). It can be cultivated on saw 1. Mushroom production should be
dust of broad leaves supplemented with declared agricultural activity and
10% wheat bran. This is a temperate benefits of electricity tariff should
mushroom fruiting in the temperature be provided accordingly.
Fig.10. Ganodermalucidumunder
range of 10-14°C. This mushroom cultivation 2. Suitable machineries for mushroom
can be grown in variety of containers. production should be developed
The complete technology for its Conclusion indigenously at reasonable cost in
cultivation has been standardized at India has tremendous potential the country.
the Directorate. for mushroom production and all 3. Identify strains suitable for fresh
commercial edible and medicinal and processed product.
H. Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma mushrooms can be grown. There is 4. Establish strong link between
lucidum) increasing demand for quality products mushroom industry and R&D
This is also a tropical medicinal at competitive rate both in domestic establishments.
mushroom growing in temperature and export market. Though growth of 5. Value added products of mushrooms
range of 30-35°C with high humid mushroom will depend on increasing should be popularized.
climate (Fig.11). The world production and widening domestic market in 6. Awareness should be created
is estimated to be 6000 tonnes and coming years, export market will be about nutritional and medicinal
share of China is 4000 tonnes/annum. equally attractive. To be successful values of mushrooms with a view
Its cultivation technology has been in both domestic and export market, to boost mushroom consumption
standardized at the Directorate. There it is essential to produce quality fresh in the country.
is good scope of this mushroom both in mushrooms and processed products Interaction of government,
domestic and export market. Caution, devoid of pesticide residues and at entrepreneurs, farmers, marketing
however, is required in disposal of competitive rate. It is also important to agencies and processing industries
spent substrate as the fungus is a commercially utilize the compost left can help us to realize the potential of
phytoparasite. It may be ensured that after cultivation for making manure, the venture having unique solutions
filters are in place in cropping rooms vermi compost, briquettes, etc. for to handle the problems of poverty,
and subtrate is disposed after heat kill additional income and total recycling of unemployment and malnutrition
or is burnt after drying. agrowastes. It is an agricultural activity prevalent in the country.

87

View publication stats