Lucknow, August 02 (HS): Uttar Pradesh has achieved another

significant milestone in the horticulture sector, securing the first position

in the country in mushroom production. The state has set a new national record

by producing 51,000 metric tons of mushrooms in 2024-25. Uttar Pradesh accounts

for approximately 13 percent of the country's total mushroom production of 4.27

lakh metric tons. This achievement is the result of the hard work of farmers,

the use of modern technologies, and the farmer-friendly policies of the state

government.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Dinesh Pratap Singh,

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Horticulture, Agricultural

Marketing, Agricultural Foreign Trade, and Agricultural Exports, said that the

Yogi government is continuously encouraging value-added crops with the aim of

increasing farmers' income and making them self-reliant. Mushroom production

has emerged as a successful initiative in this direction. He said that the

government's priority is to ensure the preservation, value addition, and better

marketing of farmers' produce, so that they can get maximum benefit from their

produce.

He said that to promote mushroom cultivation, the

Horticulture Department is providing 40 to 50 percent subsidy under the

Integrated Horticulture Development Mission. This crop, which requires little

land, low cost, and is ready in just three to four weeks, is proving extremely

beneficial for farmers.

The Horticulture Minister stated that approximately 30

mushroom production, compost making, and spawn making units have been approved

for 40 percent subsidy in 2025-26. A 50 percent subsidy (maximum Rs 1 lakh) is

being provided for mushroom units based on the 200-square-foot thatched roof

method, under which approximately 80 units have been established. The department

is providing subsidy benefits for up to five units per beneficiary.

He explained that mushroom production is giving a new

direction to the rural economy. This cultivation has emerged as a powerful

medium of self-employment and entrepreneurship for both farmers and women.

Mushroom cultivation is rapidly gaining popularity in many districts, including

Lucknow, Prayagraj, Saharanpur, Mirzapur, Jaunpur, Hardoi, Basti, Meerut,

Pratapgarh, Rae Bareli, and Sonbhadra.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi