Assam Agricultural University (AAU)
Assam Agricultural University (AAU) has a significant focus on mushroom cultivation, particularly the cultivation of Milky Mushrooms, through its Mushroom Research and Training Centre at the Department of Plant Pathology. AAU conducts training programs for farmers, offers certificate courses on mushroom cultivation, and engages in research projects related to mushroom production and utilization.
Key Activities of AAU related to Mushroom Cultivation:
Training Programs:
AAU organizes training programs for farmers on various aspects of mushroom cultivation, including techniques for cultivating Milky Mushrooms, and business aspects like setting up a sustainable and profitable mushroom cultivation business.
Certificate Courses:
The university offers a one-month certificate course on Mushroom Cultivation Techniques, providing hands-on training and guidance.
Research Projects:
AAU is involved in research projects related to mushroom production, including a project on “Mushroom Production Model for Oyster, Milky, Paddy straw and Shiitake Mushrooms with Trainings to Promote Mushroom Cultivation among Farmers of Assam”.
Seed Availability:
AAU provides milky mushroom seeds on demand to farmers.
North Eastern Hill (NEH) Program:
AAU’s activities related to mushroom cultivation are part of the North Eastern Hill (NEH) program under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Vegetables.
Commercialization and Marketing:
AAU also explores ways to boost the commercial cultivation of oyster mushrooms in Assam by identifying suitable marketing linkages.
Benefits of Mushroom Cultivation
Sustainable Agriculture:
Mushroom cultivation is seen as a sustainable agricultural practice that can improve farmers’ livelihoods and promote entrepreneurship.
Economic Benefits:
The training programs emphasize the economic aspects of mushroom cultivation, helping participants understand how to turn mushroom cultivation into a lucrative agri-venture.
Nutritional Value:
Mushrooms are a good source of nutrients and are known for their health.
AICRP on Mushroom, AAU, Jorhat
The All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Mushroom is a prestigious initiative funded by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) through its Directorate of Mushroom Research (DMR) located in Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The AICRP Mushroom unit at Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat, functions as a cooperating center established in 2015 under the administrative purview of the Department of Plant Pathology, AAU, Jorhat.
Since its inception, the center has been actively engaged in both research and extension activities, focusing on the promotion and development of mushroom cultivation tailored to the unique agro-climatic conditions of Assam. It has significantly contributed to understanding the regional challenges and opportunities in mushroom farming, ensuring the dissemination of advanced cultivation techniques to farmers and entrepreneurs. The center plays a crucial role in addressing the livelihood and nutritional needs of the region, fostering innovation in mushroom production, spawn development, value addition, and waste management strategies. Through its concerted efforts, the AICRP Mushroom center at AAU, Jorhat, has emerged as a vital hub for advancing the mushroom industry in the region.
For further details of MUSHROOM activities of ASSAM AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY … PLEASE SEE: https://www.aau.ac.in/department/department_details/250