The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sangrur, under the guidance of the Director of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana and the Director, ICAR–ATARI, Zone-I, Ludhiana, successfully organized a five-day vocational training course on “Mushroom Cultivation and Processing” from 17–21 November, 2025. A total of 32 farmers and farm women from various villages of Sangrur, Ludhiana and Patiala districts participated in this training programme.
On the inaugural day, Dr. Mandeep Singh, Associate Director, KVK Sangrur, welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance and economic potential of mushroom cultivation. He encouraged farmers to adopt mushroom growing as a subsidiary occupation to enhance their socio-economic status and generate employment opportunities for their families.
Dr. Ravinder Kaur, Assistant Professor (Horticulture) and coordinator of the training course, discussed different mushroom varieties suitable for year-round cultivation. She also demonstrated key steps of mushroom production, including composting, spawning, casing, compost preparation, and crop management practices. Dr. Vitasta, Assistant Professor (Home Science), emphasized the nutritional significance of mushrooms, describing them as a superfood rich in protein, fibre, B vitamins, antioxidants, and Vitamin D. She explained various culinary uses of mushrooms, including grilling, baking, stir-frying, and preparation of curries.
Dr. Rajni Goyal, Professor (Food Technology), KVK Patiala, shared valuable insights on mushroom processing techniques aimed at helping farmers enhance profitability. Dr. Rachna Singla, Professor (Horticulture), KVK Patiala, provided guidance on irrigation and ventilation management to optimize mushroom growth and improve production efficiency.
Dr. Sunil Kumar, Assistant Professor (FMPE), highlighted the importance of avoiding crop residue burning and discussed mushroom cultivation as a promising technique for effective crop waste management. Dr. Rukinder Preet Singh, Assistant Professor (Agronomy), educated participants on hygiene protocols essential for successful mushroom cultivation and maintaining high-quality yields.
Information on government subsidies was shared by Dr. Kulwinder Singh, Horticulture Development Officer, Sangrur, while S. Surmukh Singh, Lead Bank Manager, SBI Sangrur, briefed the participants about credit and loan facilities available for mushroom growers. As part of the practical exposure, trainees visited the farm of the progressive mushroom grower at Village Dugal, where they observed an AC mushroom production unit, kacha shed preparation, and interacted with the grower. S. Jaspal Singh, a pioneer mushroom cultivator who shared his hands-on experience with the participants. Training literature on mushroom cultivation was also distributed.
The five-day programme concluded with positive feedback from participants, who expressed confidence in adopting mushroom cultivation as a profitable enterprise.