Officials of KVK Phek and resource persons along with the
participants during the training on PGR conservation awareness and mushroom
cultivation in Porba village.
- DIMAPUR — ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Phek
(ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun (NRCM), Medziphema, under ICAR ATARI
Zone VII, Umiam, organised a five-day training programme on plant genetic
resources (PGR) conservation awareness and entrepreneurship development in
mushroom cultivation from March 10 to the 14.
- An update from KVK, Phek, stated that the training was
sponsored by ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New
Delhi, under the NEH sub-plan.
- The programme focused on PGR conservation awareness,
mushroom cultivation, value addition of mushroom products, and entrepreneurship
development in mushroom farming for farmers of Phek district.
- During the programme, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, senior
scientist and head of ICAR-KVK Phek, emphasised the importance of conserving
PGRs for sustainable agriculture and promoting entrepreneurship in mushroom
farming.
- Dr. Jameel Akhtar, principal scientist at ICAR-NBPGR, New
Delhi, highlighted NBPGR's role in identifying, collecting and conserving PGRs
nationwide. He also delivered comprehensive lectures on mushroom cultivation,
covering key aspects such as the importance and uses of mushrooms, techniques
for cultivating button mushrooms, inspiring success stories from mushroom
farming and effective pest and disease management strategies.
- Kelhouzakie Chielie, SDHO and officer-in-charge of the
horticulture research farm (HRF) in Pfutsero, delivered a lecture on oyster
mushroom cultivation, followed by a hands-on training session to enable
participants gain practical experience in oyster mushroom farming.
- Dr. Sharanappa CH, SMS (plant protection), delivered a
lecture on production technology of Shiitake mushroom, while Dr. Venkatesh, SMS
(agriculture engineering), delivered a lecture on value addition of mushroom
products.
- Dr. T Esther Longkumer, CTO-soil science, elucidated the
composting process for mushroom substrate and Dr. Hannah K Asangla,
CTO-Agronomy, presented a lecture on income-generating activities.
