J&K to produce shiitake mushrooms from September

The Mushroom Institute, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh had provided blocks of mushrooms grown under different conditions.

Jammu and Kashmir will start commercial cultivation of shiitake mushrooms in September.  Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes), native to Japan, are a type of edible fungus and contain a chemical called lentinan, which is used by some medical professionals to enhance the immune system. Field trials and standardisation of mushrooms are successful.  

This initiative will provide an opportunity for the farmers to take up mushroom cultivation throughout the year with better returns. The Mushroom Institute, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh had provided blocks of mushrooms grown under different conditions.

The cultivation of this mushroom will be considered a step towards economic growth in the agriculture sector. Fresh mushroom is sold at Rs 1,500 per kg in the market. If we dry it, it sells for Rs 15,000 per kg in the market. More than 2,500 mushroom farmers would be directly benefited from the cultivation of shiitake mushrooms.

The Mushroom Institute, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh had