A day-long training programme on Oyster mushroom cultivation was organised by the ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, West Garo Hills at Marapara community hall yesterday.
Altogether 45 farmers from found villages attended the training conducted under the Technology Demonstration Component- National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture.
During the training programme, basic inputs like spawn, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) bags, disinfectant and antiseptic and cotton were distributed to the farmers.
The initiative aims to provide sustainable income source especially for farmers, as September to February is considered as lean period after transplanting paddy and is the ideal period for cultivating Oyster mushroom.
ICAR-KVK scientist, Dr Joyoshree Mahanta along with YP-II Dr Sanjay Chetri highlighted steps of mushroom production-from substrate preparation using paddy straw to effective bed preparation as well as management of insect pest and diseases.
As mushroom is considered wealth out of waste and has huge market demand on account of its nutritive and medicinal values, farmers can earn additional income particularly landless and marginal farmers, the ICAR-KVK said.
The initiative demonstrates the power of sustainable agriculture to transform communities, offering a path to income security, food sustainability and financial independence, it added.
