Bhubaneswar, 25 March (H.S.): The Mushroom Conclave 2026 was held in Bhubaneswar on Wednday with the theme “Mushrooming Livelihood Options Towards a Viksit Odisha.” The conclave was organised by the Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited, a corporation under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Odisha, to promote mushroom cultivation as a sustainable livelihood opportunity for farmers and entrepreneurs.

Addressing the gathering, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said that Odisha has emerged as one of the leading states in mushroom production, contributing nearly 11 percent of India’s total output. He noted that mushrooms are considered a “superfood” due to their high nutritional value, low fat content and minimal cholesterol levels. He added that mushroom cultivation is environmentally sustainable and suitable for organic farming.

Singh Deo also highlighted that the state government is promoting mushroom farming by providing subsidies under the Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (MKUY), while also working on strengthening market linkages and logistics support for producers. During the event, he launched a new website of APICOL and distributed Go-Ahead letters to mushroom producers for establishing production and spawn units.

The conclave featured several technical sessions focusing on advanced production techniques, post-harvest management, value addition and market linkages in the mushroom sector. Nine expert speakers shared insights on improving productivity and strengthening the value chain of mushroom cultivation.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the DA&FE Department Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav said mushroom cultivation offers quick returns and requires significantly less water compared to many other crops and vegetables.

Other dignitaries present included Director of Soil Conservation and Watershed Development Subrat Kumar Panda, Director of Horticulture Kalunge Gorakh Waman, Vice-Chancellor of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology Prabhat Kumar Raul, V P Sharma, Shubhranshu Mishra, and Chairman of the Odisha Mushroom Growers Federation, Adwaita Kumar Patra.

Officials said that around 63,000 metric tonnes of mushrooms have been produced in Odisha during the current year. So far, 1,207 farmers have received approval to set up mushroom-based enterprises, including spawn production units and cultivation and processing units for paddy straw, oyster and button mushrooms. Additionally, 207 entrepreneurs have already received subsidies to establish their enterprises, indicating growing momentum in the sector.

The conclave witnessed participation from over 170 delegates across Odisha, including members of the Mushroom Federation, scientists from OUAT and entrepreneurs. The event reaffirmed the state’s commitment to developing a strong, market-driven mushroom ecosystem and expanding income opportunities for farmers.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda