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MUSHROOM SCENARIO IN INDIA

Chapter · July 2012

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Mushroom Scenario in India
Manjit Singh and Shwet Kamal
Directorate of Mushroom Research,
Chambaghat, Solan (HP)
M
ushrooms has
always fascinated
man due to their
sudden appearance
in number, groups,
rings, bunches and also in isolation
as a single attractive and imposing
structure. Their sudden appearance
has often led to various beliefs and
notions such as their association
with thunder-storm and lightening.
References about the mushrooms are
available in most ancient literature like
Vedas and Bible. Theophrastus (372-
287 BC), the great Greek philosopher
wrote about food value of mushroom
during middle Ages when mushroom
comprised royal dishes for Greek and
Roman emperors. In fact, mushrooms
have existed even long before man
appeared, as is evident from the fossil-
records of lower cretaceous period,
i.e., about 130 million years ago.
Mankind has devoured mushrooms
as food since time immemorial after
collecting from the forests. Though
Chinese were the first to do the artificial
cultivation of the tropical and subtropical
mushrooms, about thousand years ago,
real commercial ventures were started
by the Europeans who cultivated
button mushroom in caves during 16th
and 17th century. Mushrooms are now
getting significant importance due to
their nutritive and medicinal values and
income generating venture in about 100
countries. At present, world mushroom
production is increasing @ 7% per
annum. China is an example of success
(Fig.1) through low cost community
based technology for mushroom
production and diversification of
specialty mushrooms making it a
leading mushroom producing country
in the world.
Mushroom production scenario in
India
Agriculture is the main strength
of Indian economy and with variety
of agricultural crops grown today;
we have achieved food security by
producing over 250 million tonnes of
food grains. However, our struggle
to achieve nutritional security
is still on. The ever-increasing
population, shrinking agricultural land,
environmental issues, water budgeting
and quality food demands are going
to be burning issues. To meet these
challenges, diversification in food
portfolio in areas like horticulture is
of paramount importance in order
to impart sustainability to farming
system. One of the major areas that
can contribute towards conservation of
Fig.1. Major contributors in world mushroom production (2009)
Agriculture Year Book 2012
natural resources as well as increased
productivity is recycling of agro-wastes
including agro-industrial waste. Utilising
these wastes for growing mushrooms
can enhance income and impart higher
level of sustainability.
India produces about 600
million tonnes of agricultural wastes
per annum and a major part of it is left
out to decompose naturally or burnt
in situ. This can effectively be utilized
to produce high quality food such as
mushrooms followed by utilization
of spent mushroom substrate by
converting it into organic manure for
crop plants. Mushroom production in
the country started in the 70s but with
the development of the technologies
for environmental controls and
understanding of the cropping systems,
mushroom production shot up from
mere 5000 tonnes in 1990 to about
1,20,000 tonnes at present (Fig.2).
Today, commercially grown species are
button and oyster mushrooms, followed
by paddy straw, milky mushroom, etc.
Two to three crops of button mushroom
are grown seasonally in temperate
regions; while one crop is raised in
North Western plains of India seasonally
83

Fig.2. Mushroom production/productivity scenario in India
with minor adjustment in climate
parameters in growing rooms. Oyster,
paddy straw and milky mushrooms are
grown seasonally in the tropical/sub-
tropical areas like Orissa, Maharashtra,
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka and North Eastern region
from April to October. The present
production of white button mushroom
is about 85% of the total production of
mushrooms in the country.
The mushroom production
systems in India are of mixed type
i.e., seasonal farming as well as high-
tech industry (Fig.3). Mushroom
growing is a highly labour-oriented
venture and labour availability is no
constraint in this country and two
factors, that is, availabilities of raw
materials and labour, make mushroom
cultivation economically profitable in
India. Moreover, scope for intense
diversification by cultivation of other
edible mushrooms like oyster, shiitake,
milky and medicinal mushrooms are
additional opportunities for Indian
growers. Although India is endowed
with favorable natural agro-climate and
a rich source of agro-wastes that could
be exploited for cultivation of diverse
mushroom species, our country does
not have any significant status either
as a mushroom producer or as a
84
few medium size commercial units are
exporting mushrooms to the American,
European and other countries regularly.
Mushrooms possess significant health
benefits and medicinal properties
including anti-cancer effect. India can
enter into a big and lucrative international
trade in the medicinal mushrooms,
presently monopolized by some East
Asian countries and America. There
is tremendous scope for diversifying
mushroom export by including other
mushroom species. With the current
growth rate of the Indian economy, the
domestic market too for the mushrooms
is likely to enlarge sooner than later.
Mushroom industry is getting its due
support both from the public as well as
private funding agencies and is making
rapid strides under the Govt.’s policy of
consumer. By just diverting 1% of agro-
liberalization and globalization.
wastes towards mushroom production,
However, the challenges
India can produce 3 million tonnes of
and opportunities thrown by this
mushroom and about 15 million tonnes
unconventional crop are a bit different
of compost. The per capita consumption
particularly with reference to India.
of mushroom in India is a dismal 30-40
Today India is not only self-sufficient
g as compared to 2-3 kg in USA and
in the production of food grains,
Europe. India itself is a big market and
but is also in a position to export
increase of per capita consumption
several agricultural commodities. But
even up to 100 g from present figure
mushroom scenario in India is not that
will help growers to market over 1.00
rosy. The cultivation of white button
lakh ton mushroom within the country.
mushroom - Agaricus bisporus has
On the export front also, till 1993,
come a long way. There are farmers
Indian contribution to the world trade
still growing mushrooms on compost
was almost negligible, but it was for
prepared by long method and there are
the first time, during 1994, India not
commercial units that have shifted to
only figured in the US imports but also
bunkers or almost indoor composting
emerged as the second largest exporter
technology.
of canned mushrooms replacing Taiwan.
Regular supply of energy at
Now a big Export Oriented Unit (rated
affordable costs is one of the
as one of the biggest in the world) and
Fig. 3. Two systems of mushroom farming A – environmentally controlled; B -
Seasonal
A B

constraints in commercial production of
mushrooms. An important strategy to
cut down the energy cost is to diversify
and grow different mushrooms as per
the natural conditions. There have been
rapid changes and fluctuations in prices
and demand due to global recession.
The important lesson to be learnt from
this scenario is that it will be appropriate
to diversify in terms of different types of
mushrooms, the mushroom products
as well as the regions for supply of
different mushrooms and products.
This will provide buffering to counter
the ill effects of fluctuations in prices
and demand. It is possible to cultivate
mushrooms under varied climatic
conditions. Some of the important
mushrooms for temperate, sub-tropical
and tropical conditions are briefly
described below:
A. Button Mushroom (Agaricus
spp.)
This is still the most popular variety
for domestic as well as export market
(Fig.4). Its cultivation is being done
by Hitech projects, medium scale units
and also by the seasonal farms. Initially
when Hitech projects were set up, they
Fig. 4. White button mushroom under
cultivation
faced several problems viz, quality of
raw materials used, paddy straw based
compost was difficult to produce quality
compost, casing material and spawn
and high cost of imported machineries
and equipments. This resulted in
inconsistent yields or even crop failures
and high cost of production. High cost
of energy added further to higher cost
of production. Export market was also
Fig.5.Oyster Mushroom under cultivation
affected due to cheap Chinese product.
In recent years, medium size projects
were established with the indigenous
machineries making projects cost-
effective. Majority of such projects are
near big cities. In Northern States viz,
Haryana, Punjab and UP, seasonal
farms grow button mushroom during
the winter season for local market and
also for canning. However, in seasonal
farms fluctuating yields and insect pest
and disease incidence are common
problems resulting in losses. In such
activities, community based approach
by establishing common facilities for
quality compost and spawn production
and marketing will be helpful to do
cultivation successfully and generate
income. At present, button mushroom
is being produced in HP, UP, Punjab,
Haryana, Maharashtra, AP, Tamil Nadu
and Karnataka.
Advantages
1. There are good opportunities in
India both for domestic and export
market for button mushroom.
2. Seasonal production is possible
in big way in Jammu and
Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh,
Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh,
Uttaranchal, Bihar, West Bengal,
North Eastern Region, Madhya
Agriculture Year Book 2012
Pradesh and other areas where
temperature remains below 20°C
during winter season. In this
situation cost of production is low.
3. Raw materials are easily and
cheaply available for compost and
casing material.
4. Awareness about food and
medicinal values is increasing in
the country thus creating better
domestic market.
5. Transport facilities are available
both by land and air.
6. There is increasing market for post
harvest products like pickle and
soup powder.
Limitations
1. High cost of energy for year rounds
production
2. Un-organized production and sale
particularly by seasonal farmers
3. Lack of facilities to produce quality
compost, casing material, spawn
and processed products
B. Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus
spp.)
This is the most popular temperate/
subtropical variety (Fig.5). For
temperate region Pleurotus ostreatus,
P. florida (winter strain) and P. fossulatus
(Kabul dhingri), P. eryngii (King oyster)
85
are ideal. The areas suitable for button
mushroom are equally suitable for
the cultivation of these species. Most
of the oyster mushroom species are
subtropical in nature and grow well
in temperature range of 20-32°C.
The most popular ones are P. sajor-
caju, P. flordia, P. flabellatus, P. eous.
Oyster mushroom in dried form can be
exported. This variety is most suitable
for production in India due to the
following reasons.
Advantages
1. It grows on wide range of agricultural
wastes
2. It can grow in wide range of
temperatures
3. Its conversion rate i.e., mushroom
production from the substrate is
highest (BE 100%)
4. It is less prone to diseases and
competitor moulds than other
mushrooms
5. Faster growth rate and easy
cropping
6. Low cost of production
7. Most suitable for rural areas and
can create self employment to
people
8. Easy to post harvest processing
particularly dehydration
9. Its cultivation by poor people
can improve their socioeconomic
status.
Limitations
1. Spore allergy to certain people.
2. Lack of sporeless commercial
Fig. 6. Paddy straw mushroom
86
strain 5. It is suitable for pickling and chutney
3. Limited consumer demand in production.
some parts of the country.
C. Paddy straw mushroom E. Wood ear mushroom
(Volvariellaspp.) (Auriculariaspp.)
This species can be grown upto It is subtropical mushroom most
40°C and is highly popular in Odisha popular among Chinese population
and adjoining coastal areas and is (Fig.8). It is used as medicine
cultivated round the year. This is particularly for stomach problems. It
perhaps the only mushroom being grows well on wood log, sawdust,
cultivated under the shade of trees. Its cotton mill waste, paddy and wheat
flavour is excellent and cropping cycle straw. There is good scope in country
is shortest. Mushroom should however particularly in areas with very high
be harvested at button or egg stage humidity. It grows well in high RH (90%
(Fig.6). This grows well on paddy straw and above).
supplemented with pasteurized cotton
seed hulls and chicken manure. The
only limiting factor in this mushroom is
its short shelf-life.
D. Milky Mushroom
(Calocybeindica)
This is a new addition to the
domesticated mushroom family suitable
for tropical region (Fig.7). Cultivation of Fig.8. Jew’s ear mushroom
milky mushroom has become popular
in Tamil Nadu, A.P. and Karnataka. This F. Shiitake
is tropical mushroom next to paddy This is one of the most popular
mushrooms both as food and medicine
(Fig.9). At global level it has second
position and contributes 24% to total
mushroom production. In India, its
cultivation is neglegible. However,
experiments show that this variety can
be successfully grown on saw dust
when temperature is about 20°C. There
is good scope for the cultivation in the
country. This may become a popular
Fig.7. Milky mushroom
variety in domestic market and has
straw. It is an attractive milky white good potential for export.
mushroom with excellent shelf life. It
enjoys certain other advantages:
1. It grows on a wide range of
agricultural wastes;
2. It grows on higher range of
temperature hence suitable for
tropical region (25-37°C).
3. Its keeping quality is excellent and
it does not turn brown.
4. Its conversion rate is very high as
in case of oyster mushroom (BE
Fig.9. Shiitake mushroom under
70-80%). cultivation

Fig.10. Flamullina velutipes
under cultivation
G. Flammulina velutipes
Flammulina velutipes, commoly
refered as winter mushroom, is popular
in East Asian countries and is known
for its nutritional and medicinal value
(Fig.10). It can be cultivated on saw
dust of broad leaves supplemented with
10% wheat bran. This is a temperate
mushroom fruiting in the temperature
range of 10-14°C. This mushroom
can be grown in variety of containers.
The complete technology for its
cultivation has been standardized at
the Directorate.
H. Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma
lucidum)
This is also a tropical medicinal
mushroom growing in temperature
range of 30-35°C with high humid
climate (Fig.11). The world production
is estimated to be 6000 tonnes and
share of China is 4000 tonnes/annum.
Its cultivation technology has been
standardized at the Directorate. There
is good scope of this mushroom both in
domestic and export market. Caution,
however, is required in disposal of
spent substrate as the fungus is a
phytoparasite. It may be ensured that
filters are in place in cropping rooms
and subtrate is disposed after heat kill
or is burnt after drying.
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Fig.10. Ganodermalucidumunder
cultivation
Conclusion
India has tremendous potential
for mushroom production and all
commercial edible and medicinal
mushrooms can be grown. There is
increasing demand for quality products
at competitive rate both in domestic
and export market. Though growth of
mushroom will depend on increasing
and widening domestic market in
coming years, export market will be
equally attractive. To be successful
in both domestic and export market,
it is essential to produce quality fresh
mushrooms and processed products
devoid of pesticide residues and at
competitive rate. It is also important to
commercially utilize the compost left
after cultivation for making manure,
vermi compost, briquettes, etc. for
additional income and total recycling of
agrowastes. It is an agricultural activity
Agriculture Year Book 2012
well suited to the country for varied
reasons such as:
1. Mushroom production is indoor
activity using vertical space hence
does not compete with agricultural
land thus suited to small farmers
and landless labourers.
2. Many agricultural wastes can be
utilized to produce quality food
and organic manure for field crops.
Besides, mushroom have high bio-
efficiency i.e., conversion of dry
substrate into fresh mushroom.
3. It can generate self-employment,
alleviate poverty and improve
socioeconomic status of women,
youth and unemployed in the rural
areas.
4. It can provide nutritional security
particularly to poor people through
incorporating mushrooms in their
diets.
To promote mushroom cultivation in
India
1. Mushroom production should be
declared agricultural activity and
benefits of electricity tariff should
be provided accordingly.
2. Suitable machineries for mushroom
production should be developed
indigenously at reasonable cost in
the country.
3. Identify strains suitable for fresh
and processed product.
4. Establish strong link between
mushroom industry and R&D
establishments.
5. Value added products of mushrooms
should be popularized.
6. Awareness should be created
about nutritional and medicinal
values of mushrooms with a view
to boost mushroom consumption
in the country.
Interaction of government,
entrepreneurs, farmers, marketing
agencies and processing industries
can help us to realize the potential of
the venture having unique solutions
to handle the problems of poverty,
unemployment and malnutrition
prevalent in the country.
87