Solan (Himachal Pradesh): Located 46 km from the state's capital - Shimla, the city of Solan is renowned with the sobriquet 'Mushroom City'. Thanks to the efforts of the National Mushroom Research and Training Centre, which has been training the farmers to take up mushroom cultivation and it has become their source of livelihood.
Farmers get trained from the mushroom training centre to improve their farming and grow other varieties of mushroom using innovative technologies.
The farmers here also get disseminate information about various varieties of mushroom by the National Mushroom Research and Training Centre.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Directorate of Mushroom Research, Director, Dr V P Sharma, said that, "Solan is the only centre in India where research projects are done on the mushroom. Apart from research, farmers and scientists are also given training. "
He further said, "There are about 14,000 species of mushrooms found all over the world, out of which 200 species have already been discovered whereas research is being conducted on another 3000 species. Out of these 6 species are being used in India."
"Recently, the event was held on September 10, 2019, commemorating the 13th year of the declaration of Mushroom City of India, one day Mushroom Mela was organized at the Directorate of Mushroom Research (DMR), Solan," he added.
Mushroom may soon invade India kitchens as it is not just used for its flavour but benefits to health as well.
The elements present in it also make the body strong to fight many diseases as it contains anti-oxidants.
These days mushroom is also being used as a medicine. Shiitake mushrooms are also being used to cure cancer.
Apart from mushrooms helping the brain to relieve stress, control weight, and improves response to the immune system, it also contains adequate amounts of Vitamin B, D, Iron, Copper and Selenium.
It contains about 35 to 40% protein and thus is very beneficial for quality life and health.
Now, mushrooms are majorly used for making bread, jam, biscuits, candies and pickles.
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