The Project has been sanctioned by ICAR Vide letter No. F- 19 (+) H & MC; dated 23rd Oct. 1982.
Taking into consideration the abundant agro/ industrial wastes available with the farmers, the research work on different aspects of mushroom cultivation were started at College of Agriculture, Pune as early as in 1972. As a result spawn production techniques were standardized and quality spawn supply to mushroom growers was started in 1973.
Recognizing the pioneer research work on mushroom in this university, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi has sanctioned the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Mushroom at College of Agriculture, Pune in the year 1983.
Government of India in VII five year plan period provided funds for the construction of independent project building and also for creating infrastructure facilities required for mushroom research. Moreover Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, has provided funds of more than Rs. 1.10 Lakhs for conducting the “Trainings on cultivation of oyster mushroom and supply of quality spawn to the mushroom growers in Maharashtra” during the year 2009-10. This centre has made tremendous efforts to popularize the mushroom farming in the state. As a resultlocally known as “Dhingri mushroom” is well popularized among the common people because of simple techniques of cultivation and low cost technology.
- Objectives/ Mandates
- To conduct survey for naturally occurring wild edible mushrooms with a view to identify and catalogue the edible species as well as for exploring possibilities of promising strains.
- To evaluate the promising and high yielding strains received from Directorate of Mushroom Research, Chambaghat, Solan (HP) stock for regional adaptability.
- To carry out multi-location trial for finalization of standard production techniques for increasing yield of different edible mushrooms.
- To explore possibility of selection of cheaper agro waste available locally for substrate, compost and casing.
- To supply good quality spawn to the mushroom growers.
- Popularization of mushroom cultivation on large scale through trainings.
- Commercial production of button mushroom.