Pasighat: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), East Siang district, in collaboration with the College of Horticulture & Forestry (CHF), CAU (Imphal), Pasighat, and the College of Agriculture, Pasighat, on Tuesday observed National Farmers Day-cum-National Mushroom Day at CHF, Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh, with the participation of farmers, scientists, students and officials.
Addressing the programme, Dr R C Shakyar, Professor, said the college currently has a mushroom production capacity of 100 kg, while spawn production has increased to 2 tonnes, reflecting the region’s growing focus on mushroom cultivation.
During a technical session, Dr P Raja, Professor and Principal Investigator, AICRP on Mushroom, CHF, CAU, Pasighat, highlighted the nutritional and medicinal value of mushrooms, describing them as functional foods rich in high-quality protein, dietary fibre, essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. He also elaborated on bioactive compounds in mushrooms and their role in improving immunity and overall health.
Agriculture Development Officer, East Siang district, S K Sharma, encouraged farmers to adopt mushroom cultivation as a viable income-generating activity, while Okili Linggi, State Vice President, Kisan Morcha, Arunachal Pradesh, advocated organic mushroom farming.
Dean, CHF, CAU, Pasighat, Dr L Wangchu, said Arunachal Pradesh offers favourable climatic conditions for mushroom cultivation and stressed the importance of educating farmers on identifying edible and poisonous mushrooms.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Toge Riba, SMS and In-charge Head, KVK, East Siang, who said the centre is observing Swachhta Pakhwada from December 16 to 30 along with Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan-cum-Technology Week.