Five-day training programme for mushroom growers of different districts of Manipur was organised at the Mushroom Research Lab, Plant Pathology Section of ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, Manipur from 12nd-16th February 2024. The training programme aimed to transfer technology of scientific cultivation of shiitake as well as oyster mushroom and their spawn preparation with the title “Scientific Cultivation of Shiitake and Oyster Mushroom and Spawn Preparation”. Twenty-five potent mushroom growers from Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Senapati, Kamjong districts of Manipur attended and this training programme was organised with financial support from a DBT-funded project on Shiitake mushroom.
       The programme started with a brief remark on the importance of mushrooms in nutritional, food and income generation and their prospect in commercial cultivation by PI of the project by Dr A Ratankumar Singh, Senior Scientist (Plant Pathology) and an inaugural speech was delivered by Dr Ramgopal Laha HoRC, ICAR Manipur, mentioning the potential of processing mushroom and its products in the region followed by the speech by Dr I Meghachandra Singh, Principal Scientist (Seed Technology) highlighted the possibility of cultivation of button and shiitake mushroom in Manipur for earning income. The training programme was conducted with a combination of theory and practical classes. The trainees were trained on oyster mushroom cultivation and its prerequisite materials for starting a business venture. During the training programme, growers were also trained step by step in shiitake mushroom cultivation using paddy straw and sawdust substrates by Mr Th. Surjit Singh, Technician. Growers also gained knowledge on the spawn preparation of shiitake and oyster mushrooms like mother, and commercial spawn by Mrs Angamlu Rongmei (Technician).
       On the last day, the importance and different types of edible mushrooms and their products were visualised with the aid of an audio-video medium. In the valedictory programme, feedback from trainees showed their keen interest in the cultivation of high-value mushrooms along with oyster mushrooms either forming FPOs or SHG or individuals in their respective villages. The HoRC of ICAR Manipur Centre delivered the valedictory speech with a remark to initiate mushroom cultivation at respective villages utilizing the agro waste to convert into wealth and a participation certificate was distributed. The programme was concluded by delivering a vote of thanks from the PI of the project cum training organizer.