John Miller
India is considered a haven for mushrooms due to its humid and moist tropical climate. The country is a major producer of mushrooms, with Uttar Pradesh being the top mushroom-producing state, followed by Tripura and Kerala. India exports a large quantity of mushrooms, particularly to the USA. The most popular variety of mushroom grown in India is the white button mushroom, which accounts for 85% of the country's mushroom production. Other types of mushrooms grown in India include oyster mushrooms and paddy straw mushrooms. The cultivation process involves spawn production, composting, bed preparation, spawning, fruiting, and harvesting, with careful regulation of temperature, humidity, and ventilation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom Varieties | Button, Paddy Straw, and Oyster Mushrooms |
| Top Mushroom-Producing States | Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka |
| Growing Conditions | Temperature: 20-28°C for Button Mushrooms, 20-30°C for Oyster Mushrooms; Humidity: 80-90% for Button Mushrooms, 55-70% for Oyster Mushrooms; Ventilation required |
| Spawn Production | Mycelium from mushroom breed is placed on sterilized grain (wheat or sorghum) to create spawn |
| Composting | Artificially prepared with plant waste, salts, supplements, and water |
| Growing Period | Button Mushrooms: 3-4 crops per year; Oyster Mushrooms: 6-8 months with the right temperature and humidity |
| Export Destinations | USA, Middle East, Europe |
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What You'll Learn
India's most profitable crops
India has a favourable climate for mushroom cultivation, and it has become a highly profitable profession in the country's agro-world. Mushroom farming can be started with little investment and space, and it is growing as an alternative source of income for many people in India. The average annual production of mushrooms in India is between 45,000 and 48,000 tonnes per annum.
Uttar Pradesh is the top mushroom-producing state in India, with over 2,000 growers. The state has seen a rapid increase in the number of mushroom farmers, starting from just 20 growers. The most profitable mushrooms grown in Uttar Pradesh are milky mushrooms, which yield up to five times the profit of button mushrooms.
The second and third largest mushroom-producing states in India are Tripura and Kerala, respectively. Other popular mushroom-producing districts include Sonipat in Haryana, Solan in Himachal Pradesh, and various parts of Punjab.
The most profitable mushrooms to grow in India include:
- Oyster mushrooms: Oyster mushrooms are one of the most profitable gourmet mushrooms due to their taste, health benefits, and ease of cultivation. They have a low-fat content and are recommended for patients with obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Oyster mushrooms can be grown in a variety of substrates and are suitable for the northern plains.
- Button mushrooms: Button mushrooms are the most widely cultivated mushroom species globally, contributing to 31% of the world's mushroom production. In India, they make up 85% of total mushroom production. They are easy to farm and suitable for cultivation during the winter season.
- Paddy straw mushrooms: Paddy straw mushrooms are one of the easiest varieties to grow in India, with excellent flavour and rich taste. They can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors and are suitable for intercropping. They can tolerate temperatures ranging from 35 to 40 degrees Celsius.
- Shiitake mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms are the most recognised and popular gourmet mushrooms worldwide.
Other profitable mushrooms to grow in India include wine cap mushrooms, lion's mane mushrooms, and pioppino mushrooms. These mushrooms are profitable due to their ease of cultivation, fast-growing nature, high market demand, and excellent yields.
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Types of mushrooms grown
India is considered a haven for mushrooms due to its humid and moist tropical climate. While there are two types of mushroom farmers in the country, those who cultivate the crop on a small basis, and the large-scale commercial farms, there are three types of mushrooms that are grown extensively in India. These are button mushrooms, paddy straw mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms.
Button mushrooms (Agaricus spp.) are the most popular mushroom variety grown and consumed globally. In India, they are grown in environment-controlled cropping houses, requiring a temperature range of 20-28°C for vegetative growth and 12-18°C for reproductive growth. They also require a relative humidity of 80-90% and good ventilation during cropping. On average, growers can harvest 3-4 crops of white button mushrooms per year.
Paddy straw mushrooms are the most consumed type of mushroom in India and the majority of them are grown in southeast Asia. They are the easiest to cultivate and the most lucrative as they require the least amount of investment. Paddy straw mushrooms grow on soaked paddy straw.
Oyster mushrooms are one of the most common types of cultivated mushrooms in the world and are very pleasant to eat. They can be grown on a variety of substrates, including straw, sawdust, and agricultural waste. Oyster mushrooms can be grown at a moderate temperature of 20-30°C and a humidity of 55-70%. They are also the easiest to produce compared to button mushrooms as they do not require special growing conditions.
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Spawn production
Sterilization and Inoculation
The first step in spawn production is to sterilize the grain. Wheat or sorghum grains are commonly used and are sterilized to eliminate any contaminants that may hinder mycelium growth. This is achieved by steam sterilization, ensuring the grains are free from any unwanted microorganisms. Following sterilization, the grains are inoculated with mushroom mycelium. This process involves introducing the mycelium onto the sterile grains, either by mixing or injection, depending on the specific method employed.
Incubation
After inoculation, the grains are carefully incubated at a controlled temperature of 25°C. This temperature range is crucial for optimal mycelium growth. The grains are left undisturbed for 15 to 20 days, providing the necessary time for the mycelium to fully colonize the grains. During this period, the mycelium grows and spreads throughout the grain, gradually transforming it into spawn.
Substrate Preparation
While the grains are incubating, the substrate, which serves as the growing medium for the mushrooms, is prepared. Common substrates used for oyster mushrooms include straw, sawdust, and agricultural waste. The chosen substrate is cut into small pieces to increase its surface area and then soaked in water for 12 to 24 hours. This soaking process ensures that the substrate is adequately hydrated and ready for the next step.
Sterilization of Substrate
Following the soaking period, the substrate undergoes sterilization by boiling at a temperature of 100°C for 1 to 2 hours. This process eliminates any remaining contaminants or competitors that could hinder mushroom growth. After sterilization, the substrate is carefully cooled to room temperature to avoid any thermal shock that might affect the subsequent stages.
Inoculation of Substrate
Once the substrate has cooled, it is carefully inoculated with the spawn. The spawn, which is now a mixture of grain fully colonized by mycelium, is mixed thoroughly with the substrate. This step ensures that the mycelium can spread evenly throughout the substrate, initiating the colonization process that will ultimately lead to mushroom growth.
Sealing and Incubation
Finally, the spawn-substrate mixture is typically placed into polythene bags or bottles, which are then sealed to prevent any contamination. These containers create a controlled environment that fosters the growth of the mycelium and protects it from external factors. The sealed containers are then stored in a suitable environment, maintaining the required temperature and humidity conditions for the specific mushroom variety being cultivated.
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Composting and bed preparation
Button Mushrooms:
For button mushrooms, the composting process begins with spawn production. Mycelium from the mushroom breed is placed onto steam-sterilized grain. Over time, the mycelium grows through the grain, creating a mixture called spawn. This spawn is then used in the composting process. Compost is created by mixing plant wastes, salts, other supplements, and water. The compost provides the ideal environment for the spawn to grow and colonize.
The bed preparation for button mushrooms involves creating a suitable growing environment. In India, button mushrooms are typically grown in environmentally controlled cropping houses. The temperature for vegetative growth should be maintained between 20°C and 28°C, while the temperature for reproductive growth should range from 12°C to 18°C. Additionally, a relative humidity of 80-90% and adequate ventilation are crucial for optimal growth.
Paddy Straw Mushrooms:
Paddy straw mushrooms, as the name suggests, are grown on paddy straw. The straws are soaked to initiate the reproduction process, and they become straw spawn. To prepare the bed, a solid foundation of earth and bricks is created to support the weight of the straw and mushrooms. The straw spawn is then spread on the straw edges, with eight bunches of straws arranged in two rows of four. This process is repeated continuously. Paddy straw mushrooms require a moderate temperature range of 20°C to 30°C and a relative humidity of 55-70%.
Oyster Mushrooms:
Oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest types of mushrooms to produce. They can grow on various substrates, including straw, sawdust, and agricultural waste. The substrate is cut into small pieces, soaked in water, and then sterilized by boiling at 100°C for 1-2 hours. After cooling the substrate to room temperature, it is inoculated with the spawn. The spawn is mixed thoroughly with the substrate to ensure even colonization. This process is typically done in polythene bags or bottles, which are then sealed to prevent contamination. Oyster mushrooms can be grown at temperatures between 20°C and 30°C and require a relative humidity of 55-70%.
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Growing conditions
India's humid and moist tropical climate makes it ideal for mushroom farming. The most popular varieties grown in India include button mushrooms, paddy straw mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms.
Button Mushrooms
Button mushrooms are the most popular variety of mushroom globally and are grown in controlled cropping houses in India. They require a temperature range of 20-28°C for vegetative growth and 12-18°C for reproductive growth. A relative humidity of 80-90% and adequate ventilation are also necessary for button mushrooms to thrive. With modern cultivation technology, these mushrooms can be grown anywhere in India. Previously, they were grown seasonally during the winter months in the north-west plains and for 8-10 months in the hills. Growers can now take 3-4 crops of button mushrooms per year.
Paddy Straw Mushrooms
Paddy straw mushrooms are the most consumed variety in India and are the easiest to cultivate. They are mainly grown in Southeast Asia, with India accounting for a smaller proportion. To cultivate these mushrooms, paddy straws are soaked and then spread with spawn on the straw edges. This process is repeated, forming a solid foundation of earth and bricks to support the weight. Mushrooms begin to grow within 10-15 days of spawning and continue to grow for the next 10 days.
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are one of the most common types of cultivated mushrooms globally and are known for their ease of production and pleasant taste. They can be grown at moderate temperatures of 20-30°C and a humidity range of 55-70%. The best growing season varies depending on the region: from March/April to September/October in mountainous areas and from September/October to March/April in lowland regions. Oyster mushrooms can be grown on various substrates, including straw, sawdust, and agricultural waste. The substrate is cut into small pieces, soaked, sterilised at 100°C, cooled, and then inoculated with spawn.
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Frequently asked questions
The three most common types of mushrooms grown in India are button mushrooms, paddy straw mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms.
First, mycelium from the mushroom breed is placed onto steam-sterilized grain. Once the mycelium has grown through the grain, the mixture (called spawn) is sent for composting. Compost is made by adding plant waste, salts, supplements, and water to the spawn.
First, sterilize a mixture of wheat or sorghum grains and inoculate them with mushroom mycelium. Incubate the grains at 25°C for 15-20 days until the mycelium fully colonizes them. Oyster mushrooms can be grown on substrates like straw, sawdust, and agricultural waste. Cut the substrate into small pieces, soak in water for 12-24 hours, and sterilize by boiling at 100°C for 1-2 hours. Cool the substrate, inoculate with spawn, and mix thoroughly. Seal the mixture in polythene bags or bottles to prevent contamination.
Button mushrooms require a temperature range of 20-28°C for vegetative growth and 12-18°C for reproductive growth. They also need a relative humidity of 80-90% and good ventilation. In the plains of India, they are grown during the winter months, while in the hills, they can be grown for 8-10 months a year. With modern technology, they can be grown anywhere in India.
