SHRI SHIVAJI SCIENCE COLLEGE, AMRAVATI

DBT STAR COLLEGE PROJECT ACTIVITY

ACTIVITY REPORT

Flyer

Mushroom Cultivation: Empowering Locals for Product Commercialization’


Activity Dates: 06.03.2025

Type of Activity: Outreach Activity

Organizing Department: Department of Botany & Bioinformatics

Program Coordinators: Dr. A. S. Kale

Head of the Department: Dr. D. D. Khedkar

External Collaborator (if any): NO

Objectives:

No of Beneficieries: 40

Classes Involved: Locals

Venue of the Activity: Gram Panchayat Karyalay, Shirala, Tq Chandurbazar

Activity Report:

The Department of Botany, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, under the aegis of the DBT Star College Scheme, Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), PMKVY, and the Maharashtra Gene Bank Project (MSBB), successfully organized a one-day, skill-based extension workshop on “Mushroom Cultivation: Empowering Locals for Product Commercialization” on 6th March 2025. The event took place at the Gram Panchayat Karyalay, Shirala, Tq. Chandur Bazar, and drew participation from 40 local farmers, women, and students. This initiative was driven by a focused objective to foster sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship through the dissemination of mushroom cultivation technology and value-added commercialization strategies.

This workshop was designed as a practical and impactful knowledge-transfer platform to reach rural communities with modern yet eco-friendly farming alternatives. Recognizing the nutritional, environmental, and economic potential of mushrooms, the department aimed to bridge the knowledge gap between scientific innovation and rural implementation. The workshop was envisioned to empower local communities with sustainable income-generating skills, promote value addition in the agri-products, and establish strong business linkages for market access and growth.

The leadership and guidance of key academic experts greatly enriched the event. The initiative was spearheaded by Principal Dr. G. V. Korpe (Convener), with Dr. D. D. Khedkar (Head, Department of Botany) serving as the Co-Convener, and Dr. G. B. Hedawoo (Course Coordinator) as the Activity In-Charge. The organizing team also included Dr. R. C. Maggirwar, Dr. A. S. Kale, Dr. S. V. Pundkar, Dr. P. D. Deshmukh, and Dr. A. N. Darsimbe, all of whom played pivotal roles in ensuring the smooth execution of the program.

The workshop commenced with an inaugural session, graced by the presence of local dignitaries including Ms. Ankita M. Tayde (Sarpanch) and Shri Aniket Khade (Deputy Sarpanch), who expressed their appreciation for the initiative and acknowledged the relevance of such community-based knowledge interventions in uplifting rural livelihoods. Their encouraging words emphasized the need for innovative agricultural solutions and the participatory learning in the face of climate change and declining traditional farming returns.

The technical sessions began with a comprehensive lecture and live demonstration by Dr. G. B. Hedawoo on mushroom cultivation techniques. He introduced the participants to various types of mushrooms suitable for local climatic conditions, with a focus on oyster and button mushrooms due to their simplicity in cultivation and high market demand. Key steps such as substrate preparation using agricultural waste (e.g., paddy straw), sterilization, inoculation with mushroom spawn, incubation, humidity control, and harvesting methods were explained in detail. Dr. Ganesh Hedawoo’s session emphasized the low-cost nature of the setup and the ability of mushroom cultivation to be practiced in small spaces, making it ideal for marginal farmers and women.

This was followed by a hands-on training session, where participants were invited to prepare substrates, perform inoculation, and observe different stages of mushroom growth under guided supervision. This experiential learning approach proved highly effective in building confidence and curiosity among the beneficiaries. The interactive nature of the session allowed participants to clarify doubts regarding pest control, temperature and humidity management, and post-harvest processing.

The third session, led by Mr. Ankit S. Kale, delved into the commercialization aspects of mushroom cultivation. His presentation focused on turning mushroom farming into a viable micro-enterprise. He highlighted the potential of value-added products like dried mushrooms, mushroom pickles, and powdered formulations, and demonstrated simple packaging and branding techniques. He also discussed pricing strategies, local and urban market demand, and how to form producer groups or SHGs to strengthen collective marketing. Mr. Kale further introduced government schemes, subsidies, and bank loans that could support small-scale agripreneurs. His session resonated strongly with the participants, particularly women and youth, who showed keen interest in starting small home-based units.

One of the most engaging parts of the workshop was a culinary demonstration and food tasting session that showcased a variety of mushroom-based recipes. This not only helped underline the nutritional value of mushrooms but also demonstrated their potential in enhancing local diets and promoting health. Mushroom pulao, soups, and stir-fried recipes were shared with the audience, generating positive feedback and excitement.

The outcomes of the workshop were tangible and promising. Firstly, participants gained essential hands-on skills required for successful mushroom cultivation. The practical training built confidence and clarified many myths and misconceptions about the complexity of mushroom farming. Secondly, the exposure to value addition and commercialization sparked entrepreneurial interest among farmers and homemakers, many of whom expressed intentions to initiate cultivation trials in their backyards. Thirdly, participants were introduced to business linkages and market networking strategies, a critical element often lacking in rural agribusiness efforts. Through discussion and resource sharing, the workshop laid the foundation for future collaboration and mentorship in product development and commercialization.

Moreover, the training emphasized eco-friendly farming practices. The use of agricultural waste as a substrate not only provides an additional source of income but also reduces environmental pollution. The zero-waste aspect of mushroom cultivation aligns well with climate-resilient and cost-effective farming methods that are vital for sustainable development.

Feedback collected from the participants reflected a strong appreciation for the relevance, quality, and applicability of the training. Several attendees shared their plans to adopt the techniques and requested further support in terms of supply of quality spawn, market facilitation, and advanced training. The enthusiasm shown by women participants was particularly noteworthy, suggesting the potential of mushroom cultivation as a women-led rural enterprise.

In conclusion, the One Day Workshop on “Mushroom Cultivation: Empowering Locals for Product Commercialization” served as a highly impactful platform for skill development, the knowledge dissemination, and rural entrepreneurship promotion. It succeeded in translating scientific knowledge into actionable skills and set in motion a process of socio-economic empowerment among the local population. The integration of practical training with business insights ensured that the workshop was not merely academic but result-oriented and community-centric. Going forward, the Department of Botany plans to organize follow-up workshops and create a mentorship network to provide ongoing support to aspiring mushroom cultivators. Such initiatives reflect the college’s continued commitment to community engagement, sustainable agriculture, and capacity building under the DBT Star College Scheme.

Outcomes:

Photos:

Inauguration of Program
Inauguration of Program
Session by Dr. Ankit S Kale
Session by Dr. Ankit S Kale
Introduction of workshop by Dr. G. B. Hedawoo
Introduction of workshop by Dr. G. B. Hedawoo
Hands of Training
Hands of Training
Group Pic with Participants
Group Pic with Participants
Session by Dr. G. B. Hedawoo
Session by Dr. G. B. Hedawoo

Attendance Sheet:

Sheet
Sheet
Sheet
Sheet