Solan (Himachal Pradesh): Himachal Pradesh is emerging as one of the mushroom growing hubs in the country.
Dozens of mushroom varieties were discovered in the state's Solan city. This has been possible due to the untiring efforts of the Directorate of Mushroom Research (DMR), Solan.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICR) in Solan started work on mushrooms in 1961. The 60-year journey of the Directorate of Khumba Research has been very proud and this journey is going on continuously.
The research being conducted here and the information being given to the farmers are proving beneficial for the farmers.
Thanks to this institution, India is writing a new chapter in mushroom production and is beating China and European countries.
Button mushrooms were first produced on a small scale. After this, research on mushrooms started at the Agricultural University of Chambaghat in 1970. Khumb Research Center was established in Solan in 1983. On 10 September 1997, Solan was awarded the title of Mushroom City of India.
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DMR has evolved 30 species
In 2008, it got the status of Directorate of Khumb Research (DMR). In the last 6 decades, DMR has developed 30 species of mushrooms. Even today, research work continues on dozens of species of mushrooms. Mushrooms have the ability to fight diseases like malnutrition, blood pressure, diabetes, cancer. Among them, Ganoderma, cordyceps, shiitake mushrooms are proving beneficial in curing many serious diseases.
Medicinal use species
Several species of mushrooms used for the medicinal experiment have been developed here. Dr VP Sharma, director of Khumbh Research Center, says that the way centres' scientists have worked in the field of mushrooms in the last 5 to 10 years is commendable. So far, 8 to 10 species of mushrooms have been invented here for medicinal use. These species are considered beneficial for diseases like AIDS, cancer, trouble in breathing and liver ailments.
Cordyceps Militaris Mushroom
Cordyceps Milterius Mushroom is effective in increasing physical ability. This mushroom is sold in the market for around two and a half to three lakh rupees per kg. This mushroom has many benefits for the human body. In today's time, many people are struggling with cancer, kidney, lung diseases.
This mushroom is no less than "Sanjeevani" for such people. Cordyceps militaris mushrooms are also known to relieve fatigue and strengthen the immune system. This mushroom is also beneficial for removing calcium deficiency in women. According to the information, scientists at Khumb Research Center Solan took more than 6 years to conduct research on this mushroom. Only after this, scientists were able to grow medicinal mushroom cordyceps.
Ganoderma lucidum
There is a lot of demand for Ganoderma lucidum mushroom in the market. This species is used more as medicines. Products like Ganoderma Capsules, Ganoderma Coffee and Ganoderma Tea are available in the market. Ganoderma mushroom is bitter to eat, due to which it is used as a capsule. Its price in the market is estimated from eight thousand to nine thousand. This mushroom is considered beneficial for getting rid of diseases like cancer and diseases like AIDS. At the same time, this mushroom is also able to boost the immune system of the body correct.
Hericium Mushroom
Hericium mushroom is also known as Coral Mushroom. Khumb Research Center had to work hard for about 3 years to invent it. Along with the presence of a high amount of heresium in it, it is considered useful in maintaining the body's immune system and enhancing memory.
Shitake Mushroom
Shitake-388S mushroom, which is the main source of Japan's approved drug lentinen to fight cancer and with its medicinal properties, can be grown at home in 45 days. This mushroom is prepared in small bags prepared from sawdust, while traditional and other methods take 90 days to grow this mushroom. This mushroom is a good source of vitamin D along with antioxidant, anti-ageing properties. Its price in the market is 500 rupees a kg.
Dhingri Mushroom
Dhingri Mushroom is tasty, fragrant, soft and rich in nutrients. Farmers can easily earn considerable income by planting this variety of mushrooms.
Information in 27 languages
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The Directorate of Khumba Research, Solan gives information on mushroom production to farmers in 27 languages through 37 centres set up across the country every day. In 27 states, there are 23 coordinators and 19 cooperative centres for testing and other works of developed technologies of Research Directorate Solan.
2 million tonnes of mushroom
Today, 1 lakh 90 thousand tonnes of mushroom are being produced every year across the country. In Himachal Pradesh itself, 15 thousand tons of mushroom are being produced. Today, there is a turnover of about 2 thousand crores rupees every year across the country.
Dr. VP Sharma, director of the Directorate of Khumba Research says that around 3 lakh farmers cultivate mushrooms all over the country. 2 lakh tonnes of mushroom is produced annually. Out of which 74% White Button Mushroom, 12% Dhingri Mushroom, 12% Pedistra Mushroom and 2% Milky and Shitake Mushroom are produced.
Production increased by 20 times
The production of mushrooms in the country has increased 20 times since 1962. Especially in the last 22 years, production has increased about 5 times. In 1997, the production of mushrooms was 40 thousand tons, which has increased to 2.25 lakh tons today.
Neither land nor special items required for mushroom production. It can also be grown in waste like Parali. Farmers can cultivate it in small rooms. The farmers of Himachal are also making it a source of income.
