Mashroom Farming

Mushroom is a good source of proteins, vitamins, folic acid and iron. Commercial mushroom farming has started recently in India. Popularity of growing mushroom under controlled conditions has started in recent past and it has taken a shape of export oriented business.

There are different types of mushroom namely Chanterelles , Cremini , Morels, Portobello, Enoki, Shiitake,Oyster and Button. Most commonly grown mushroom is button mushroom. Among various cultivated species of mushrooms.Shiitake variety has a good demand among consumers for its taste. Particularly in Northern India consumers prefer this mushroom since it is believed to be medicinal in quality. Presently, China and Japan are the bulk producers of this prized mushroom variety.(Source: The Hindu January 2014).

Till some time there was no proper technology to grow this variety on a successful commercial scale but recently the Directorate of Mushroom Research (DMR), situated at Chamabaghat in Solan district and Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR), at Hassargatta near Bangalore have developed new techniques for growing this crop. Mushroom farming is a business which needs low investment with early outputs. A mushroom farming business can be a mean of big profits in just a few weeks. Plus, starting your own mushroom growing business for profit is fairly easy.

The primary investment for mushroom cultivation depends on mushroom variety, the level of technology utilized and the volume of production. Someone can start a mushroom culture by spending a few hundred rupees, using simple and inexpensive devices for substrate preparation or, on the contrary, a high cost system involving few thousands rupees by utilizing mixing machines, steam boilers and specialized peoples.Mushrooms are grown in specially constructed sheds. There is no standard size or design of buildings for mushroom culture.

Factors to include when planning include construction costs, machinery space requirements, tray or bed size, and stacking design. Buildings should be rodent-proof. Cement floors with adequate drainage are required to allow for ease of cleaning and hygiene operations. Good ventilation and light (not direct sunlight) are primary requisite . Ventilation units should be fully adjustable in terms of circulation volumes, and include a filter that will prevent entry of insects and airborne spores.

Trays or shelving should be arranged to allow ease of air circulation. Two systems are currently used: the one-zone system where peak heating, spawn run and cropping are done in the same room, and the two zone system where separate rooms are used for some production stages. The second option requires a larger turnover to cover extra capital expense.

Portfolio of Mashroom Farming