Nath proudly shared that the state has currently fostered a community of 660 mushroom growers, reflecting an impressive 62% surge in mushroom seed production over the past 5 to 7 years.
The Tripura Government is promoting mushroom entrepreneurship through strategic schemes and policies. The Minister of Agriculture, Ratan Lal Nath said on Friday while inaugurating a one-day training program on Commercial Mushroom Cultivation.
The event took place on Friday and was organized by the HRC at Nagicherra, in collaboration with the Directorate of Tribal Research and Cultural Institute.
Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, responsible for Food, Public Relations, and Consumer Affairs, also graced the occasion with his presence.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Nath highlighted the adoption of multiple policies by the state government, often in conjunction with central government support, aimed at incentivizing entrepreneurs to invest in mushroom cultivation. Notably, the government has also facilitated financial aid in the form of loans to bolster the efforts of farmers engaged in this enterprise.
Nath proudly shared that the state has currently fostered a community of 660 mushroom growers, reflecting an impressive 62% surge in mushroom seed production over the past 5 to 7 years. Underlining the commitment to this sector, Tripura has established ten new laboratories since 2018 exclusively dedicated to mushroom seed production. Nath noted that this strategic move has paved the way for numerous individuals to attain self-sufficiency through mushroom cultivation within the state.
Minister Sushanta Chowdhury added to the discourse by spotlighting the accomplishments of local entrepreneurs. He highlighted the endeavors of individuals such as Babul Debnath from Fatikchara, Mrigank Das from Kailasahar, and Liton Biswas from Dukli, who have collectively created job opportunities for around 12 to 15 individuals at their respective mushroom production centers. Stressing the profitability of mushroom cultivation, Minister Chowdhury reiterated its potential to yield substantial economic returns.
Drawing attention to the remarkable strides taken in agricultural practices within the region, he remarked, “Tripura has secured a distinctive position within the realm of Indian farming mechanisms. As a direct result, the state has witnessed an exceptional upsurge in mushroom seed production over the past five years.”
The event also served as a platform to showcase the positive impact of scientific training on Janajati mushroom farmers. The Janajati Welfare Minister, Vikas Debbarma, who graced the occasion as a special guest, attested to the transformational effects of such training on the financial well-being of these farmers.
The program witnessed the participation of several key figures, including Phanibhushan Jamatia, the Director of the Horticulture and Land Conservation Department, and Dr. Rajib Ghosh, the Deputy Director of the same department. Somen Kumar Das, Assistant Director of the Department of Horticulture and Land Conservation, orchestrated an insightful training camp for the enthusiastic cohort of 60 mushroom growers present.