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Directorate of Mushroom Research

(Indian Council of Agricultural Research)


Chambaghat, Solan-173 213 (H.P.)
www.nrcmushroom.org

Directorate of Mushroom Research


(Indian Council of Agricultural Research)
Chambaghat, Solan-173 213 (H.P.)
India

Directorate of Mushroom Research Printed : July, 2011

Compilation:

Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.

B. Vijay, Principal Scientist, DMR, Solan (HP)


V.P. Sharma, Principal Scientist, DMR, Solan (HP)
O.P. Ahlawat, Principal Scientist, DMR, Solan (HP)
Shwet Kamal, Sr. Scientist, DMR, Solan (HP)

All rights reserved


2011, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi

Published by:
Typeset & Printed in:

Director, Directorate of Mushroom Research, ICAR, Chambaghat,


Solan (HP) 173 213.
Yugantar Prakashan Pvt. Ltd., WH-23, Mayapuri Industrial Area,
Phase-I, New Delhi - 110 064.

ii

The diverse challenges and constraints as growing population,


increasing food, feed and fodder needs, natural resource degradation,
climate change, new parasites, slow growth in farm income and new
global trade regulations demand a paradigm shift in formulating and
implementing the agricultural research programmes. The emerging
scenario necessitates the institutions of ICAR to have perspective vision
which could be translated through proactive, novel an innovative
research approach based on cutting edge science. In this endeavour,
all of the institutions of ICAR, have revised and prepared respective
Vision 2030 documents highlighting the issues and strategies relevant
for the next twenty years.
Mushrooms represent microbial technology that recycles
agricultural residues into food and manure. These are important
source of quality protein, minerals and various novel compounds of
medicinal value, do not compete for land and have very high
productivity per unit area and time. India has varied agro-climate,
abundance of agricultural residues and plenty of manpower making
it suitable for cultivating different mushrooms. Directorate of
Mushroom Research (DMR), Solan, through technological
interventions aims to increase productivity, quality, and income of
farmers through cultivation of mushrooms. For future, the
Directorate focuses on integrating mushroom cultivation into farming
systems and diversification for increasing production at low cost and
secondary agriculture to make the mushroom production lucrative.
It is expected that the analytical approach and forward looking
concepts presented in the Vision 2030 document will prove useful
for the researchers, policy makers, and stakeholders to address the
future challenges for growth and development of the agricultural
sector and ensure food and income security with a human touch.

(Dr. S. Ayyappan)
Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR
iii

The National Centre for Mushroom Research and Training


(NCMRT) was established in 1983 under the aegis of Indian Council
of Agricultural Research on the recommendations of National
Seminar on Research, Production, Processing and Marketing of
mushrooms organised by ICAR on January 21-22, 1979. The
seminar was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister, Sh. Morarji
Desai and presided over by Sh. Surjit Singh Barnala, the then Union
Minister of Agriculture & Irrigation. This Centre was renamed as
National Research Centre for Mushroom in 1997 and upgraded to
Directorate of Mushroom Research in December, 2008. This
Directorate is the only organization exclusively dedicated to mushroom
research and development in the country. The Directorate has
developed array of technologies for different types of mushrooms
suitable for cultivation in various agro-climatic regions of the country.
The Directorate is also the Headquarter of All India Coordinated
Research Project on Mushroom with 14 Coordinating and 2
Cooperating Centres located in fifteen states. The Vision 2030 has
been prepared with the objective of promoting mushroom cultivation
across the country in farming system perspective for addressing the
issues like nutritional security, unemployment, environmental
sustainability, recycling of agro-waste, etc.
Mushroom cultivation is a new phenomenon across the world.
In India mushroom research started in 60s and the cultivation picked
up in 70s. Presently, the country produces 1.2 lakh tonnes of
mushrooms. In the wake of increasing population, increase in
awareness about health benefits of mushroom and changing food
habits, the demand for various mushrooms is likely to increase sharply.
Our mission is to provide technologies suitable for different regions
for meeting these demands. The document carries a schematic
representation of proposed plan of action to achieve this.

Directorate of Mushroom Research

I would like to place on record my grateful appreciation to all


my colleagues presently working at DMR and those who have retired
from this Directorate after extending their meritorious service. I would
like to thank, Director General Dr. S. Ayyappan for envisioning the
preparation of the document in present form and guiding from time
to time. I would like to place on record our gratitude for the guidance
received from Dr. H.P. Singh, DDG (Hort.). The support received
from Dr. U.C. Srivastava, ADG (Hort.II) in formulation of this
document is also acknowledged. I would like to thank the editors
who worked untiringly for completion of document. I am sure that
the document would provide a direction for holistic development of
mushrooms across the country.

(Dr. Manjit Singh)


Director

vi

Agriculture will continue to be the main strength of Indian economy.


With the variety of agricultural crops grown today, we have achieved
food security by producing about 240 million tonnes of food grains.
However, our struggle to achieve nutritional security is still on. In
future, the ever increasing population, depleting agricultural land,
changes in environment, water shortage and need for quality food
products at competitive rates are going to be the vital issues. To meet
these challenges and to provide food and nutritional security to our
people, it is important to diversify the agricultural activities in areas
like horticulture. Mushrooms are one such component that not only
uses vertical space but also help in addressing the issues of quality
food, health and environmental sustainability. There is need to
promote both mushroom production as well as consumption for
meeting the changing needs of food items. Trade in Mushrooms has
gained importance in recent years for two main reasons, namely; (i)
the global shift towards vegetarian food, and (ii) recognition of
mushroom as a functional food. Mushroom cultivation offers an
added advantage to recycle agro-waste as carbon pool into good
quality protein, much of which otherwise is burnt in the field. The
present document includes the scenario and roadmap for harnessing
science to promote this important commodity.
Mushrooms appearing after rains in various shapes, sizes and
colour have fascinated human being since time immemorial and were
sure to draw the attention of humans even when they were living as
hunters and gatherers. Even though, man started agriculture 10,000
years ago, the cultivation of mushrooms is a relatively new
phenomenon and has picked up across the globe only in the last
century that has witnessed newer innovations and applications. The
annual world production of button mushroom has reached 3.5
million tonnes and that of all types of mushrooms is estimated to be
over 20 million tonnes. Our country has registered twenty-fold

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Directorate of Mushroom Research

increase in production of mushrooms in the last four decades, even


though, button mushroom continues to occupy a prominent place
and contributes about 85% of the total mushroom production of
the country.
The shrinking land, demand for functional foods, priorities for
recycling agricultural residues and changing trades in view of
globalization are going to play an important role in the agricultural
scenario, and secondary agriculture is likely to play a pivotal role.
Our country can emerge as a major player in mushroom production
in wake of availability of plenty of agricultural residues and labour.
To remain competitive it will be important to harness science and
modern technologies for solving the problems of production and
bio-risk management. Mushroom being an indoor crop, utilizing
vertical space offers solution to shrinking land and better water utility.
The modern technologies like bioinformatics will help us in
understanding and exploiting our genetic resources. The Vision 2030
contemplates realization of these goals.
Needless to emphasize the importance of the quality of human
resources in any field including scientific research as well as
development and continuous skill-upgradation of human resources
is indispensable not only to keep pace and catch up but also to move
and remain ahead. One of the important mandates of the DMR is to
train scientists, teachers, and students in the field of mushroom science
and technology.


viii

Foreword

iii

Preface

Preamble

vii

1.

Scenario

2.

DMR - 2030

3.

Harnessing Science

4.

Strategy and Framework

21

5.

Annexure

24

ix

Vision 2030

ITH the ever increasing population and shrinking land, secondary


agricultural vocations are going to occupy a prominent place to fill
the void of quality food requirements. The demand for quality food and novel
products is increasing with the changes in life style and income. The present
century is going to be a century of functional foods free from synthetic chemicals.
Mushroom cultivation fits very well into this category and is going to be an
important vocation.
Diversification in any farming system imparts sustainability. Mushrooms are
one such component that not only impart diversification but also help in addressing
the problems of quality food, health and environmental sustainability. Commercial
production of edible mushrooms represents unique exploitation of the microbial
technology for the bioconversion of the agricultural, industrial, forestry and
household wastes into nutritious food (mushrooms). India produces about 600
million tonnes of agricultural byproducts, which can profitably be utilized for
the cultivation of mushrooms. Currently, we are using 0.04% of these residues
for producing around 1.2 lakh tons of mushrooms of which 85% is button
mushroom. India contributes about 3% of the total world button mushroom
production. Even if we use 1% of the residues for mushroom production, we
can produce 3.0 million tons of mushrooms, which will be almost equal to
current global button mushroom
production (current world production
as per FAO Stat. is 3.4 million tons).

Fig. 1. Comparative mushroom production


chart of World and Indias share

Mushrooms are considered the


highest protein producer per unit area
and time due to utilization of vertical
space and short crop cycle. Due to their
cultivation under controlled conditions
the water requirement is less than any
other crop grown in the field and has
all the potentials of being a major crop

Directorate of Mushroom Research

in coming years. In fact, China that was producing just 60,000 tons of
mushrooms in 1978 is now producing around 18 million tons of mushrooms,
contributing almost 70% of the total world mushroom production.
In India, the mushroom production
systems are of mixed type i.e. both
seasonal farming as well as high-tech
cultivation (Table 1). Mushroom
production in the country started in the
70s and growth rate, both in terms of
productivity as well as production, has
been phenomenal. In seventies and
Years
eighties button mushroom was grown
Fig. 2. Mushroom production and
as a seasonal crop in hills, but with the
productivity in the country
development of the technologies for
environmental control and increased understanding of the cropping systems,
mushroom production shot up from 5000 tonnes in 1970 to over 1,20,000
tonnes in 2011.
Production

Productivity

Production (,000 ton)

100

20

80

15

60

10

40

20

Productivity (kg/100 kg compost)

25

120

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

Button, oyster, milky and paddy straw mushroom is cultivated in different


parts of the country as per temperature profile in different seasons. Two - three
crops of button mushroom are grown seasonally in temperate regions with minor
Table 1. Major white button mushroom units in India
S.
No.

Name of the unit

Location

1.

Agro-Dutch Foods

Lalru, Punjab

2.

Himalaya International

Paonta Sahib (HP)


2000
Idar, Gujrat
10000

EOU/Domestic
EOU

3.

Inventa Foods

Hyderabad

4000

EOU

4.

Flex Foods

Dehradun

2500

EOU/domestic

5.

INKAA Foods

Nalagarh (HP)

1500

Domestic

6.

Balaji Mushrooms

Baramati (MS)

1500

Domestic

7.

Weikfield Mushrooms

Pune (MS)

1500

Domestic

Production
capacity (TPA)
40000

Status
EOU

Vision 2030

adjustments of temperature in the growing rooms, while one crop of button


mushroom is raised in North western plains of India seasonally. Oyster, paddy
straw and milky mushrooms are grown seasonally in the tropical/sub-tropical
areas from April to October (Fig. 3). The areas where these mushrooms are
popularly grown are Orissa, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka and North Eastern region of India. Many commercial units are located
in different regions of our country and produce quality mushrooms for export
round the year. The present production of white button mushroom is about
85% of the total production of mushrooms in the country.

Fig. 3. Mushrooms under cultivation in India (L to R): Button, Milky, Oyster and
Paddy straw mushroom

Button mushroom compost is prepared using variety of base materials like


wheat straw, paddy straw, sugarcane bagasse, chicken manure, various cakes and
brans, as per their availability in different regions of the country. In most of the

Directorate of Mushroom Research

northern and central parts, wheat straw is widely used whereas in the eastern and
southern parts, paddy straw is used which is available in abundance. Sugarcane
bagasse is used in western, central and some other places. Poultry manure, an
important component meeting the nitrogen needs, is available throughout the
country, which is generally used in short method of composting. Growers
following long method of composting generally use chemical fertilizers in place
of poultry manure for balancing the nitrogen requirement in the compost. Poultry
manure is a carrier of nematodes and competitor moulds and hence, is not
preferred for unpasteurized compost. Haryana state farmers have successfully
developed low cost technologies (involving thatched structures, bed cultivation
and prolonged cropping using compost prepared by long method) for seasonal
cultivation and contribute over 7000 tons of mushrooms annually.
Casing soil, a material required to be overlaid on the compost after its
colonization with mushroom mycelium, is the second important input in button
mushroom growing. Peat moss, globally used as casing material, is not available
in our country and alternatives like decomposed Farm Yard Manure (FYM),
spent compost, coir pith, etc. are in use. DMR, Solan has developed technologies
for compost and casing production using locally available raw materials.
Environmental friendly composting technologies have also been standardized at
the Directorate.
Integrating mushroom cultivation in the existing farming systems will not
only supplement the income of the farmers but also will promote proper recycling
of agro-residues thereby improving soil health and promoting organic agriculture.
Besides, mushrooms can contribute in achieving nutritional and social security in
our country. Some of the mushrooms like oyster, paddy straw and milky
mushroom have simple cultivation technology. The cultivation methods for these
sub-tropical/tropical mushrooms and others like Lentinula, Flammulina,
Auricularia, Agrocybe, Stropharia, Macrocybe, Hericium, Ganoderma, etc. have
also been standardized.
There is no organised assistance available for marketing of mushrooms in
India. Every export-oriented unit has its own individual arrangement for
marketing, and the mushrooms are preserved in brine and canned in large

Vision 2030

containers of 3 - 5 litres (or bigger) capacity for export. Government support for
mushroom marketing is not available in India, nor is any special/preferential
quota available in the European Union (as is available to certain other nations).
Direct export to USA/Germany under some sort of arrangement is one alternative
that is presently being utilized. There are no processing units devoted to provide
support for this industry, except for some limited support by NAFED to seasonal
growers in the north-western plains of India. Such support is available to
mushroom growers in China, where they are able to process their produce on a
large scale at rail-accessible points for export. Finance at lower interest rate, and
inputs for infrastructure at fair prices, can also help this industry to keep down
the cost of cultivation. Lower production cost, together with higher productivity,
can help the industry to become globally competitive. A long-term strategy has
to be developed to help the industry.
As India itself is a big market, vigorous extension activities are required to
make the people aware of mushrooms, which can help in developing market in
India itself. This is the key of the success of Chinese mushroom industry as they
consume more than 80% of mushroom produced by them.


Directorate of Mushroom Research

USHROOM Research in India started in 60s in the states of Himachal


Pradesh and J&K and remained confined to these states with focus on
white button mushroom. Later, a National Seminar on research, production,
processing and marketing of mushrooms was organized by the ICAR on January
21-22, 1979, which was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister Sh. Morarji
Desai and presided over by Sh. Surjit Singh Barnala, the then Union Minister of
Agriculture & Irrigation. During this seminar it was recommended to establish a
National Research Centre on Mushroom and to strengthen mushroom research
under coordinated programmes. As a result National Centre for Mushroom
Research & Training as well as All India Coordinated Mushroom Improvement
Project was sanctioned in VI Five Year Plan. NCMRT became operational at
Chambaghat, Solan in June, 1983. It was renamed as National Research Centre
for Mushroom in 1997 and upgraded to Directorate of Mushroom Research in
December 2008.
Vision
To bring about mushroom revolution and promote eco-region specific
integrated farming system for economic growth, ecological sustainability and
nutritional security.
Mission

To collect and conserve mushroom biodiversity as bio-resource for food,


feed, fuel, afforestation, medicine and novel compounds.

To promote mushroom cultivation in the country with long-term


sustainability by integrating mushroom farming with traditional farming
systems.

Recycling agro-residues through mushroom production and use of spent


mushroom substrate as organic manure for field crops, animal feed and fuel.

To generate technologies for ameliorating poverty through self-employment


and to ensure socio-economic as well as nutritional security.
6

Vision 2030

Mushroom revolution is going to happen as a result of the improved


productivity as well as vast increase in the number of environment controlled
and seasonal growing units. The share of the button mushroom is bound to
decline with more and more specialty mushrooms becoming available for seasonal
cultivation. With the increased production, there is every likelihood that an
organized mushroom marketing channel is established. A significant quantity of
mushrooms is likely to be utilized for production and consumption of the value
added products, as compared to present trend of fresh mushroom utilization.
The venture will also be designed and directed towards complete recycling of the
agro-wastes for production of food (mushroom), feed (cattle feed), fuel (biogas)
and fertilizer (organic manure). With the proposed thrusts directed towards research
on the development of the genetically improved strains and the production
technologies, we do visualize lesser dependence on the imported strains and
technologies.
A sustained growth in mushroom productivity will depend on regular genetic
improvement and management of biotic and abiotic stresses. India has diverse
agro-climatic regions and is rich in mushroom diversity. Bio-prospecting will
lay the foundation for effective allele mining. The vast gene pool available needs
to be explored and utilized for genetic enhancement of cultivated mushrooms.
Hi-tech mushroom cultivation and processing will require higher degree of
mechanization in wake of increased labour and raw material costs. Round-theyear cultivation of different mushrooms in rotation under the seasonal conditions
is going to play a major role in increasing as well as diversifying the mushroom
production yielding real gainful employment throughout the year to the poorest
of the poor. Undoubtedly, the vision as mentioned above shall require tremendous
efforts on all aspects of the research as well as developmental policies and programmes
improvement in the strains, production technology including the IPM, vigorous
efforts on the transfer of technology, deployment of greater financial and human
resources with policy for their skill up gradation. Such efforts shall not only be
capital- and knowledge-intensive, but also shall warrant strong public-public
and public-private partnerships. Interactions between research institutions and
the mushroom farmers/industry need to be strengthened for realizing the full
potential of the frontier sciences.

Directorate of Mushroom Research

Objectives

Collection, conservation, characterization and bio-prospecting of indigenous


wild mushroom flora for genetic enhancement, protection under Intellectual
Property (IP) and for diversification of mushroom portfolio in the country.

To achieve high productivity and production of mushrooms by developing


high yielding varieties tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses and refinements
in production technologies of cultivated mushrooms.

To develop technologies for integrated farming for complete recycling of


agro-wastes including utilization of spent mushroom substrate.

To develop print, audio, video material and ICT based model for knowledge
dissemination.

Functions

To act as the Centre of academic excellence and repository of mushroom


germplasm and information.

To coordinate network research on location specific problems of national


importance, to achieve higher production and productivity.

To promote human resource development and transfer of technology and to


provide technical support to the mushroom industry.


Vision 2030

Genetic Resource Enhancement


(i) Conserving Biodiversity
The mushroom biodiversity is depleting fast due to deforestation,
urbanization, climate change and unsystematic exploitation through collection
of wild mushrooms and hence, there is an urgent need to collect and conserve
this biodiversity. Some species particularly the mycorrhizal mushrooms are facing
extinction. The following strategies need to be implemented for sustainable
exploitation of indigenous mushroom genetic resources (MGR), to meet the
requirements of strategic and anticipated research in mushrooms.

Preparation of a Red-Data List of endangered mushroom species and their


in situ and ex situ conservation.

Facilities for safe-deposit and retrieval of cultures, using ultra-modern


preservation techniques of cryopreservation and lyophilization.

The Gene bank for procuring authentic cultures from the reputed national
and international culture collections and maintaining exotic and indigenous
germplasm.

(ii) Characterizing Biodiversity


Periodic collections of indigenous mushroom diversity from the various
climatic zones of the country and their genetic characterization for wider gene
pool and novelty will be necessary for strategic and anticipatory research in genetic
improvement of cultivated mushrooms. The main focus shall be on:

Genetic diversity analysis and characterization of germplasm using


morphological, biochemical and molecular markers to catalogue the
mushroom biodiversity in the country.

Removal of duplicate accessions using biotechnological tools.

Directorate of Mushroom Research

(iii) Understanding Biodiversity


Mushroom formation is induced by specific changes in environmental
conditions like temperature, carbon dioxide, moisture, pH, light, etc. But the
conditions differ in the different mushroom species depending upon their pattern
of life cycle and sexuality. Inadequate understanding of the biology of mushrooms
is the greatest limitation not only in improving the yield of the commercial types
but also in domesticating the newer ones. The major areas of research will be:

Understanding sexuality patterns of different mushrooms and identification


of mating type genes.

Cloning and sequencing of mating type genes, allele mining, DNA


sequencing, gene mapping, creation of gene libraries and genetic maps of
commercially important mushrooms.

Understanding structural and functional genomics using advanced molecular


techniques of cDNA, AFLP, ESTs and microarrays.

Mechanism of biodegradation of lignocelluloses by mushrooms.

Identification and characterization of bioactive molecules of industrial/


medicinal uses.

Biotechnology and Synergies of Frontier Sciences - Exploiting Biodiversity


Many edible fungi have been domesticated and are in production, the most
commonly cultivated are shiitake (Lentinula edodes), oyster mushroom (Pleurotus
spp) and white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus). There are number of fungi
that are still collected from the forest for human consumption. There is a need
for developing better strains of cultivated mushrooms through systematic
exploitation of the germplasm. Research is also required to domesticate new
species by better use of species diversity. The improvement required in white
button mushroom will need:

Identifying diverse parents using bioinformatic tools and development of


high yielding hybrids for controlled environment and partially controlled
units.
10

Vision 2030

Development of transgenics for improved quality, shelf-life and stress tolerance.

Identification of additional Agaricus species for cultivation and their genetic


improvement.

Molecular profiling of varieties developed and released by DMR.

Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for yield and other traits and
MAS in mushroom breeding.

Development of high yielding hybrids of A. bitorquis resistant to false truffle.

Development of somatic hybrids between A. bisporus and other Agaricus species


by protoplast fusion.

In oyster mushroom improvement is required in yield, better shelf-life, quality


and other nutraceutical properties. It will require research in the following areas:

Techniques for rapid single spore isolation and intermating for inter and
intra-specific hybrids.

Protoplast fusion between closely related species to incorporate the desirable


traits like fruit size, colour, flavour and texture into the high yielding types.

Breeding spore deficient/low spore strains/hybrids with better quality and


higher yield.

Breeding varieties for disease/pest resistance and amenability to processing


The major breeding objectives of paddy straw mushroom will be:

Development of strains/hybrids having white colour, high yield, better quality


and shelf life.

Protoplast fusion for production of somatic hybrids between closely related


species.

Basic breeding work will be initiated in other mushrooms species particularly


in C. indica, L. edodes, G. lucidum and other edible and medicinal mushrooms.
The main focus shall be on varietal improvement using conventional and modern
approaches involving protoplast fusion and other biotechnological tools.

11

Directorate of Mushroom Research

Commercializing Technologies for Diversified Farming


Majority of the farmers are cultivating mushrooms only during particular
seasons. Farmers in the plains of North India cultivate white button mushrooms
during winter only and stop the mushroom cultivation during summer and
dismantle their temporary growing houses. It is also paradoxical to note that
India is largely a tropical country and we mainly cultivate temperate mushroom.
The tropical and sub tropical mushrooms like oyster (Pleurotus spp.), paddy
straw (Volvariella sp.), milky (Calocybe sp.), reishi (Ganoderma sp.), wood ear
(Auricularia spp.), etc. are not cultivated on a larger scale. Hence, the continuous
cultivation of different mushrooms depending on the season is certain to increase
the economic returns of the mushrooms growers. Round the year cultivation
assumes much significance especially for rural livelihood security.
Button mushroom: In western countries generally the environment controlled
growing is prevalent while seasonal growing is still practised in some parts of the
South-East Asian countries. But in India both the production systems viz., seasonal
and controlled environment growing are in vogue. Hence, efforts for improvement
of both the systems would continue in our country. Environment controlled
growing of button mushrooms may not be fully successful in our country if
implemented as such without bringing in necessary modifications needed for
Indian conditions. Research to improve the two systems for Indian conditions
may be required in the following areas during the next two decades.
(i) Seasonal farming

Microbial stimulants and enzymes for accelerated and improved compost.

Development of compost formulations for different parts of the country


keeping in view the cost and availability of raw materials.

Non-chemical methods of pasteurization may be developed using physical


processes like solarization, sonic bombardments, microwaves, etc.

Development and improvement in the design of growing houses for optimum


yields by utilizing the low cost structures made from locally available materials.

12

Vision 2030

(ii) Environmentally controlled farming

Shortening composting period by total indoor/single phase composting by


use of enzymes and microbial stimulants

Development of environment friendly composting process use of biofilters


to eliminate emission of undesirable gases; restricted use of chicken manure in
dried and odour free form.

Search for newer and improved casing materials, which may be made into
ready to use thin sheets or rolls for easy and uniform application.

Better environment management for improvements in yield and quality,


introduction of cheaper but more efficient and grower-friendly control
systems.

Introduction of mechanization and automation, as in the years to come labour


will become costlier. Mechanical or robotic harvesting together with single
flushing or reduced flushing strains will be common.

Designs for small, medium and large integrated as well as specialized units
for composting, processing and spawn production.

In view of the fast rate of growth in the mushroom industry, a rapid


technological change is also envisaged. For environment controlled growing, a
fully automated mushroom farm controlled and monitored from a central point
may become a reality in some developing countries also. Forecasting of cropyield in advance will enable the monitoring unit to employ corrective measures
in advance. Also, the post-harvest handling of the produce will be done
automatically without human interference. All these automations will drastically
curtail the requirement of staff and labour.
Oyster mushroom: Cultivation of oyster mushroom in the tropical and
sub-tropical regions has tremendous potential, which is yet to be fully harnessed.
However, research support to improve the cultivation technology for a sustainable
yield of quality produce is very much needed, particularly in the following areas:

Efficient low-cost region-specific growing systems for seasonal and roundthe-year commercial cultivation.
13

Directorate of Mushroom Research

Bringing newer species like king oyster, blue oyster, Kabul dhingri under
domestication.

Yield optimization by methods like supplementation, environment control,


etc, to increase its profitability.

Promoting oyster mushroom by developing ready-to-use kits/ fully spawn


run blocks.

Use of spent straw/substrate for recycling as manure or cattle feed.

Paddy straw mushroom: Potential of this mushroom remains under exploited


despite abundant availability of paddy straw and highly suited environmental
conditions in Eastern and Southern India especially the coastal region.

Efforts are needed to improve the existing technology for consistent and
higher yields.

Technology for indoor commercial cultivation under controlled conditions


besides small-scale seasonal outdoor cultivation is required to be developed/
improved.

Integrated disease and pest management strategy for consistent yield.

Utilization of SMS for white button mushroom casing and vermi composting.

Specialty mushrooms: Diversification of mushroom portfolio in the country


is required for round-the-year cultivation of different mushrooms to ensure
environment and employment sustainability.

Commercialization of L.. edodes (shiitake) and Auricularia spp. (wood ear


mushroom) in the country.

Promotion of milky mushroom C. indica in unexplored areas.

Popularization of specialty mushrooms like Stropharia rugoso-annulata (giant


mushroom), F. velutipes, F. fennae (winter mushroom) P. nameko, A. aegerita,
Macrocybe giganteum and M. procera with complete package of practice for
commercial cultivation.

14

Vision 2030

Studies on biology and cultivation technology for other prized mushrooms


like Tuber spp. (truffles), Podaxis spp., Termitomyces spp. and Boletus spp. etc.

Promotion of medicinal mushrooms G.lucidum and Grifola frondosa


(Maitake) is required considering the national/international market.

Morchella spp. must be given serious attention for cultivation in India, in


view of the wild germplasm available in the country and an established market
for Indian morels abroad.

Domestication of promising indigenous mycorrhizal mushrooms for


diversification of mushroom portfolio of the country.

Propagating Genetic Resources


Spawn, which acts as the starter or seed, is the most crucial input for successful
cultivation of mushrooms. Therefore, its genetic and physical purity and quality
need to be maintained at the highest level. To maintain these very conditions, spawn
can only be produced in a highly sophisticated laboratory. During the last three
centuries a number of substrates and containers have been used for production of
spawn of different kinds of mushrooms. The technology has already assumed
the standard of a full-fledged industry in several countries, where spawn in large
quantities is produced under completely sterile conditions, packed in
contamination free sealed packets with microfilters and transported throughout
the world. However, in India, the spawn industry is an un-organized venture
and needs research support in the years to come so that it may attain quality
standards and competitiveness comparable to multi-national companies. Also,
there should be collaborations between the research institutes and the upcoming
spawn industry so that the much needed genetic purity and quality of spawn are
ensured. Future research in the field of spawn technology may be in the following
areas:

Development of liquid spawn technology for all the cultivated mushrooms.

Development of technologies (carriers and containers) to prolong the viability,


shelf life and ease in bulk transport of the ready-to-use spawn.

Private sector to be encouraged for the mass production of quality spawn at


local level.
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Directorate of Mushroom Research

Development of spawn production system to achieve zero-level contamination


in spawn.

Development of suitable machineries for quality spawn production for seasonal


growing and development of technologies for the hi-tech spawn units for
controlled environment farming.

Development and enforcement of spawn standards in the country.

Development of alternative spawn substrate sterilization technique for


producing quality spawn at cheaper rates.

Under rural development programme, emphasis will be given to use polyhouse/


green house mushroom cultivation with suitable mechanization to augment the
production of tropical and sub-tropical mushrooms. The farmers will be
encouraged to form Cooperatives at the Panchayat level to promote mushroom
cultivation, spawn and compost/substrate, processing and marketing as a cottage
industry.
Natural Resource Management Through Complete Recycling of Agro-waste
Utilizing Spent Mushroom Substrate
Mushroom growing is an eco-friendly activity as it utilizes the byproducts
from agriculture, poultry, brewery, etc. and in turn produces a quality food with
excellent and unique nutritional as well as medicinal attributes. The spent
mushroom substrate (SMS) left after final crop harvest is a matter of concern as
it creates various environmental problems including ground water contamination
and nuisance. As mushroom production is increasing, so is the SMS generation,
which calls for alternative management of this waste. Fortunately, SMS has
many positive attributes still left for its potential uses. The material has been
found to be a good nutrient source for field and horticultural crops because of its
nutrient-status. Besides, it has a high cation exchange capacity (a measure of the
amount of nutrients a medium can hold) and has a slow mineralization rate that
held in retaining its quality as an organic matter.

Use of microbes and other organisms for converting the spent substrate into
casing, manure or products for bioremediation.
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Vision 2030

Use of SMS as feed and fuel (briquettes, bio-gas, bio-fuel, etc.).

Use of decomposed SMS for preparing vermicompost.

Development of technology for use of SMS as carrier for biofertilizers,


biocontrol agent and for enzyme extraction.

Plant Heath and Bio-risk Management


Diseases caused by biotic and abiotic agents are quite common in seasonal
farms especially those using unpasteurized compost. Changing climate patterns
further aggravate these problems. However, the incidence of diseases and
competitor moulds is relatively less in environmentally controlled units. The
following areas of intense research are identified for the years to come to ensure
prevention and management of diseases:

Development of area-specific disease maps for various mushrooms and


histopathological studies on different mycoparasites.

Epidemiological studies on new competitors and parasitic moulds, bacterial


and viral diseases

Development of molecular diagnostic techniques against major diseases.

Integrated disease management packages for major mushroom diseases and


competitor moulds.

Investigations on mushroom viruses and development of diagnostics and


vaccines against important mushroom viruses

Use of botanical pesticides, bio-control-agents and avirulent stains of


pathogens to control diseases and pests of mushrooms

Residual toxicity of chemicals used by the mushroom industry.

Basic information on identification, biology, behaviour and status of common


insect pests of mushrooms will be recorded for planning their effective control
strategies. Major emphasis will be laid on integrated pest management (IPM)
strategies using mechanical, physical, biological and chemical methods for keeping
the pest population below economic threshold level. While introducing high
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Directorate of Mushroom Research

yielding strains of mushrooms, their susceptibility/resistance to pests and diseases


needs to be evaluated before they are released for general cultivation by the growers.
The major emphasis will be on:

Identification and use of environmentally safe bio-pesticides including chitin


synthesis inhibitors, growth regulators, anti-feedants, EPN and B. thuriengensis
strains to avoid pesticide residues and emergence of pesticide resistant pests.

Potential of management of major insect-pests and nematodes using plant


products.

Management of nematodes through potential bio-agents (fungi, nematodes,


bacteria, etc.).

Development of quick diagnostic methods for detection of nematodes


infestation.

IPM packages for major insect-pests mushroom cultivation

Use of insect attractants, repellents, chemosterilants, pheromones, kairomones


and genetic control.

Post-harvest Technology
Increased productivity demands proper post harvest infrastructure to enhance
shelf life and marketability. Mushrooms are delicate and highly perishable in
nature and shelf life is not more than 24 hours. Short shelf life of mushroom
poses unique problems in packaging, marketing and preservation of mushrooms.
In developed countries, it is the state of the art technology, which is in practice
like modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) or controlled atmosphere packaging
(CAP). However, in our country, the retail packaging for fresh marketing is
highly crude and primitive and is done in hand sealed polypropylene bags.
Similarly, canning in tin cans for button mushrooms and sun drying for other
mushrooms are the most common methods of preservation employed in India.
The following aspects will have to be given greater attention.

Low cost drying technology for the domestic and state-of-the-art technology
for international market.

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Vision 2030

Refinement in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and controlled


atmosphere packaging (CAP) suiting mushrooms for their increased shelflife.

Use of recyclable and biodegradable packing material

Substitution of tin cans with alternative materials and reduction in blanching


losses during canning.

Development of low cost freeze-drying and IQF technologies.

Ready-to-cook recipes, value-addition and product diversification to cover


pharmaceutical, cosmetic and fast food industries.

Utilizing Information Technology


Information technology is the acquisition, processing, storage and
dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information by a
microelectronics-based combination of computing and telecommunications. Its
use in various sectors is well validated including in mushroom information
technology. It will prove an effective tool for transfer of technology. Areas of
interests in the coming years would be as under:

Development of expert system (ES) for mushroom cultivation, marketing,


forecasting and management of insect-pests and diseases.

Development of data bases of input suppliers, entrepreneurs, farmers, market


channels and financial institutions.

Development of interactive website on mushrooms and establishment of


teleconferencing facilities.

Technology Transfer Approaches


As per the proposed organizational hierarchy most of the technology will be
developed/adapted at select R&D establishments. DMR being at the apex, a 2tier system for transfer of technology is envisaged. DMR will act primarily as
Trainers Training Centre where R&D workers from various States and Central
Organisations including NGOs will be imparted training in the latest technical

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Directorate of Mushroom Research

know-how on mushrooms, who, in turn, will train the prospective growers and
entrepreneurs. DMR will also impart training to personnel from big commercial
units and international agencies. The Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural
Universities and State development departments will directly train the growers.
DMR may also train the managers and senior technicians to be employed in the
big mushroom units. The emphasis for TOT programmes will be on the following
aspects:

Publication and distribution of literature through printed and electronic media


on mushrooms.

Adoption of a model village as well as commercial unit for transfer of


technology.

Close association with self-help groups and NGOs for active transfer of
mushroom production technology.

Holding of workshops, conferences and Mushroom Melas for interaction


of the R&D workers with the industry and growers.

Participation of DMR in Trade Fairs and Farmers Fairs, and creation of


awareness about mushrooms through mass media.

Preparation of short documentary films and video-clips on mushrooms for


dissemination among the rural/urban masses.

Dissemination of information through internet, mobile and other ICT tools.




20

Vision 2030

O face the global challenges all available expertise and resources in the
country as well as outside need to be utilized to make Indian Mushroom
Industry competitive in the world market. In this direction stronger research and
production linkages with research organizations, industries, progressive farmers
and other organizations will be needed.
International collaboration will be essentially needed to achieve the objectives
set in the programme in areas of germplasm conservation and maintenance, genetic
improvement through gene transfer, genetic manipulations, protoplast fusions
and other biotechnological aspects. Similarly DNA fingerprinting, allele mining,
gene mapping and QTL analysis may have to be adopted for the identification of
genetically variable germplasm and precision breeding, for which collaboration
with international organisations will have to be ensured.
In order to keep pace with the advancement in spawn production technology
the Directorate may have to develop linkages with some multi-national spawn
producing companies like Sylvan Spawn Laboratory, USA; Amycel, USA;
Campbells Fresh, Canada, etc.
Besides the discipline-oriented programmes, inter-disciplinary research will
be the hallmark of the future research. Research programmes will be implemented
through time-bound and result-oriented projects. Though basic and strategic
research will be the main responsibility of the Directorate, applied research shall
be carried out in the form of a network programme with regional stations,
agricultural universities and other collaborating institutions. So far as the assessment
of location specific technologies are concerned, the AICRP will continue to play
its role; suitable strengthening of the scheme will be called for by way of opening
new stations and strengthening the existing ones to meet the future challenges. It
is expected that mushroom growing will spread far and wide in the country and
it will be intensified in the traditional mushroom growing areas. Following
strategies will be required to achieve the goals set in different programmes.

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Directorate of Mushroom Research

Besides the regular projects of DMR, contract research for specific timebound programmes shall be introduced in future. Keeping in view the future
funding requirements, adhoc schemes funded by national and international
scientific bodies will have to be implemented.

Network projects on national and location specific problems will be initiated


and implemented in a time bound fashion

While research establishments like DMR are mandated to provide research and
technical inputs, development is an area where other organisations are also required to
play their part. Some key developmental programmes which require due attentions
in coming years in our country are the following:

Monitoring the establishment of spawn units in public and private sectors,


and enforcing spawn standards and fair price.

Establishment of compost mother units for supply of quality compost to


the small growers in potential areas.

Supply of spawn run substrates in urban and peri-urban areas for home
cultivation of mushrooms.

Involvement of cooperatives and other marketing organisations for providing


the required inputs as well as help in viable marketing of mushrooms.

Ensuring liberal financial support by the government agencies and financial


institutions.

Declaration of a minimum support-price for mushrooms and provisions for


insurance coverage.

Active campaign and awareness programmes to boost the domestic demand


for mushrooms through advertisements, articles and films, etc.

Technical guidance and financial support to the small scale and export oriented
processing industries.

Creation of Mushroom Development Board (MDB) like Coffee Board and


Coir Board for promotion of mushroom processing and marketing industry
in India.

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Vision 2030

Establishment of cold chains for mushroom transport

Guidelines for notification and release of mushroom varieties on the lines of


Central Committee for crop standards and variety release.

HRD is an important instrument to improve the efficiency and capabilities


of scientific as well as technical manpower. The Directorate plans to give high
priority to this aspect and train DMR scientists in emerging frontier areas of
mushroom research. To achieve the objectives set in the Vision 2030, the first
and foremost requirement is to ensure the availability of scientists and technicians
with adequate knowledge and experience in the respective field. Exposure of
scientists to modern techniques and advances in the basic research will be a prime
component of HRD. Similarly the technicians will also need to be exposed to
the hi-tech part of the production technology in countries where climate controlled
mechanized cultivation of mushrooms have attained greater heights. Training in
some other related areas like computer automation, GIS and bioinformatics may
also be essential.


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Directorate of Mushroom Research

Annexure I : Strategic Framework


Goal

Approach

Performance Measure

Mushroom popularization Integrating mushrooms into


and diversification
existing farming systems

Increase in species-wise
production

Promoting region specific


mushroom cultivation suiting
to agro-climatic conditions
Deciphering health and
medicinal benefits of different
mushroom cultivated and
consumed in the country and
popularizing these through
press and media
Employment generation
and nutritional security

Development of models for


higher productivity with efficient
use of natural resources
including water

Increase in mushroom
consumption in rural and urban
areas

Promoting cold chains, storage


and distribution systems

Increase in number of mushroom


units including spawn and
processing units

Developing and promoting


mushroom cultivation and
processing technologies
suitable for women, rural and
unemployed youths
Conserving mushroom
wealth

Cataloguing and conservation


of wild mushrooms collected
and consumed by local
inhabitants

Number of ITKs collected and


verified

Identifying species threatened by Number of wild germplasm


urbanization, deforestation, over collected
exploitation and climate change
Bringing wild mushroom
Creating red data list for
species under cultivation and/or mushrooms
promote in situ conservation
Number of new species brought
under cultivation

24

Vision 2030

Goal

Approach

Performance Measure

Promoting integrated
organic farming

Utilizing locally available


substrates for construction of
cropping rooms and also as
substrate for cultivation

Increase in total land productivity

Utilizing spent mushroom


substrate for making manure,
vermi compost or using it as
feed/fuel

Increase in organic produce

Developing models for complete


recycling of agricultural residues
for small, medium and large
farms
Transport, value addition Development of technologies
and processing
for prolonged shelf life and
safe transport

Improved health and


risk management

Product and technologies


developed

Development of indigenous
mushroom products

Improved shelf life of different


mushrooms

Market research for under


standing trends in demand
and supply

Availability of mushroom/ products


in far reaching areas

Addressing abiotic and biotic


stresses through improved
technologies including suitable
varieties

Stress tolerant varieties

Developing region specific


technologies for encountering
sudden climate variations
affecting mushroom production
Human Resource
Development

Promoting use of ICT and web/


mobile based expert system
Promoting multi-disciplinarity,
capacity building by training
state officials, KVK staff, NGOs
and entrepreneurs for multiplier
effect

25

Increase in qualified manpower

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