Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 2: ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (CIARI), South Andaman successfully conducted a three-day sponsored training programme on “Spawn Production Technology and Organic Oyster Mushroom Cultivation” from 29th to 31st December 2025 at the KVK premises, South Andaman. The programme aimed to strengthen the technical knowledge and practical skills of farmers, rural youth and aspiring entrepreneurs, promoting mushroom cultivation and spawn production as sustainable and income-generating enterprises suited to island conditions.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist & Head, KVK, Sri Vijaya Puram. In his inaugural address, Dr. Ramakrishna motivated participants to adopt mushroom cultivation as a viable livelihood option and emphasized the importance of scientific methods for quality production and higher profitability. He highlighted the potential of oyster mushroom cultivation due to its low investment, short production cycle, efficient use of agricultural residues and high nutritional value.
Mr. Mohit, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Pathology) delivered technical sessions on spawn production technology and organic oyster mushroom cultivation. He explained the importance of quality spawn, hygiene, substrate selection and organic practices for achieving better yield and disease-free production. Practical demonstrations provided hands-on exposure to spawn preparation and crop management.
Dr. Pooja Kapoor, Subject Matter Specialist (Home Science) highlighted the scope of value addition in mushrooms and demonstrated the preparation of value-added products such as mushroom soup, powder and pickle. She also educated participants on food safety, nutritional benefits and enhancing market value through processing.
Dr. Y. Ramakrishna further discussed different substrates, marketing strategies, and emphasized proper labelling, sealing and branding. Participants were also exposed to suitable packaging materials and trained on eco-friendly waste management through utilization of spent mushroom substrate.
A total of 20 participants from different Panchayats actively participated and benefitted from the programme. The training was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Y. Ramakrishna and Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR–CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram. The programme concluded with positive feedback, with participants expressing confidence in starting mushroom-based enterprises, contributing to livelihood enhancement and nutritional security in the region.