On-Campus Training on Oyster Mushroom Cultivation Held at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hirehalli
An on-campus training session on Oyster Mushroom Cultivation was successfully conducted on 1st October 2024 at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Hirehalli. The event was organized by the ICAR-KVK, Hirehalli, Tumakuru to provide hands-on training to local farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs in the field of mushroom cultivation.
The session was inaugurated by Dr. Loganandhan N., Principal Scientist and Head of ICAR-KVK, Hirehalli, who briefed the participants about the objectives of the training program. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of mushroom cultivation as a potential business venture, encouraging participants to seize the opportunity and strive to become successful entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.
Mr. Ramesh P.R., Subject Matter Specialist in Soil Science, delivered an insightful lecture on spawn production techniques, which form the foundation of mushroom cultivation. He guided the trainees through the entire process, ensuring they understood the technicalities involved in producing quality spawn for large-scale mushroom farming.
Following this, Mrs. Radha R. Banakar, Subject Matter Specialist in Home Science, presented an engaging session on the nutritional benefits of various types of mushrooms, particularly focusing on oyster mushrooms. She also shared detailed information about the practical aspects of oyster mushroom cultivation, from substrate preparation to maintaining the appropriate environmental conditions.
As part of the hands-on training, participants were given live demonstrations on essential techniques such as mushroom bag filling and bag incubation methods, allowing them to get practical experience in every step of the cultivation process. This practical exposure will help participants apply the knowledge they gained in their own farms.
The training concluded with the distribution of certificates and training manuals to all participants. A total of 42 farmers and farm women from Tumakuru and surrounding areas actively participated in the program, making it a significant step towards promoting sustainable agricultural practices and mushroom entrepreneurship in the region.
