Mushroom Cultivation in India: Types, Farming Steps, Benefits & Economic Scope

If you love poetries and literature then you will definitely recognize these famous lines in the poem “Mushroom” Overnight, very Whitely, discreetly Very quietly. 

This stanza reflects the characteristics of a mushroom, how it grows fast just like magic happens suddenly.

It also highlights the mushrooms' delicate presence against the dark soil. Basically, mushrooms are crops that grow steadily in nature without disturbing the environment. Here is a complete guide to understand mushroom cultivation in India.

What are mushrooms?

Mushroom belongs to the fungi family named as phylum Basidiomycota and the order Agaricales, it is a fruiting body part of the fungi body that is mainly used for reproduction.

It is totally different from other plants and fungal bodies because it does not have chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesis, as a substitute it takes nutrients from the organic matter of the environment.

If we talk about its physical structure then comparing it with the little umbrella cannot be denied, as it is also divided into three parts, the head also called the cap often has a distinctive shape and color. 

The second part is the middle one also called gills which consists of lots of spores for reproduction. The last one is a stem also called a support system that helps the cap to elevate from the ground.

Also Read: Know complete information about forest bitter gourd

Different types and characteristics of mushrooms

Generally, mushrooms have diverse known groups that vary from the 1000 numbers and have their own characteristic and unique features of growth and ecological roles. In India, there are 6 most mushrooms are cultivated in major parts:

1. Button mushrooms

• Agaricus bisporus is the scientific name of a mushroom that is cultivated in India and popular for wide consumption at the global level. 
• It is popular for its health and economic status in India. In India, it is mostly cultivated for commercial purposes. It looks small, round, and white or cream-colored. It has a mild flavor and soft texture. 
• Button mushrooms are mainly cultivated in Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and many more.

2. Oyster mushrooms

• The beautiful oyster shell signifies the beauty of this variety of mushrooms and is famous for its culinary uses, the color of this mushroom varies from white to yellow, pink, or blue.
• In India, it is also known as Dhingri, which is an edible mushroom with a luscious flavor and a tender texture that replaces the meat in some veg recipes.
• You can easily find these mushrooms in Karnataka, Odisha, Maharashtra, west Bengal, and Tripura, although they are also low in calories while providing essential vitamins.

3. Shiitake mushrooms

• In eastern Asia, shiitakes are highly valued and consumed edible fungi which also identify as Lentinula edodes, in scientific terms.
• They are found mainly in Chinese and Japanese cuisine. They have a distinctive-shaped cap that looks very similar to an umbrella with a light brown color and has a rich, smoky, earthly flavor.
• They are mostly grown in the cooler regions of India such as Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh.

4. Enoki mushrooms

• Due to their unique physical appearance, it is also known as Golden needle mushrooms or lilly mushrooms, along with this, they are also scientifically known as Flammulina filiformis.
• They are naturally grown on the tree trunks during the fall and spring seasons and are different from other mushrooms in appearance as they have long, thin stalks and are normally white.
• They have a crunch texture with mild, slightly sweet, and fruity, flavor. This Variety of mushrooms is mainly found in Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, and Karnataka.

What are the steps of mushroom farming in India?

There is a different criteria for cultivating mushrooms in India among other plants and crops, here are the steps for mushroom farming: 

1. Mushroom spawn preparation

Firstly choose the type of mushroom that you want to grow and take any grains such as wheat or rice and some water, gypsum ( type of minerals), and the containers for the spawn. Inoculating sterilized grains with mushroom mycelium will complete the process.

2. Preparation of compost

The plant waste, like wheat or barley straw, horse dung, chicken manure, and nitrogen supplements is used to make the organic compost which generates heat and ammonia.

3. Spawning

Mixing compost with the spawn that had been prepared earlier by sprinkling on the top of the compost, After sowing, the compost is covered with a thin layer of additional compost and kept moist.

4. Casing

To maintain the moisture of the mushroom, the application of a thin layer of soil over the top of the compost is referred to as casing, it helps to develop the fungus and ease the process of gas exchange. Along with this, It provides a stable environment for self-growth.

5. Cropping

The process of cropping is also known as fruiting takes place exactly 25 days after spawning. It requires 24-25°C temperature initially, then lowered to 18°C after casing. The most crucial conditions for the growing phase of mushrooms are proper humidity levels that are 55% to 75%.

6. Harvesting

This method does not require any wavy macanair process for the harvesting as you can easily extract the cap of mushrooms from the land and leave the stem for further cropping, always care that mycelium does not get damaged. 

Also Read: Important facts on enhanced cucumber cultivation

Economic status of mushrooms

In India, the new farmer sees mushrooms as a commercial substance that has significant economic opportunities and considerations for farmers and entrepreneurs.

If we talk about the cost structure of mushrooms so t fixed costs for small farms can be around 44.47% of total costs, while larger farms may see this drop to 22.42% which includes all the indeed requirements for the cultivation. One kilogram of mushroom is sold at the average price of Rs 120-200.

Health benefits of eating mushroom

1. Nutrients rich: It is a hub of nutrition such as vitamin B and minerals such as selenium, copper, potassium, and iron, which help to convert food into energy along with proper body functioning.
2. Boost energy: mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides (e.g., lentinans) and antioxidants (such as ergothioneine) that help to increase the immunity of the body by supplying proper energy to each and every organ of the body.
3. Heart health: Potassium-rich content in mushrooms helps to recover the heart lower cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure. 
4. Weight management: Mushrooms can be beneficial for weight loss due to their low-calorie content and high fiber levels.

Delicious recipes of mushrooms in India

1. Mushroom masala: Button mushrooms are used to make delicious and flavorful mushroom masala with curry made with tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices like turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder. 
2. Mushroom biryani: Adding mushroom with rice including some biryani masalas will give you the awesome taste of a rice dish that can be served occasionally or enjoyed personally.