Horticulture department promotes mushroom cultivation

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 21 (EMN): A two-day training programme on the cultivation of mushrooms organised by the department of Horticulture got underway at its directorate conference hall in Kohima on October 21.

In his keynote address to the participants, additional director for Horticulture, Qhutovi Wotsa said ‘mushroom cultivation in every angle is beneficial’.

Wotsa stated that he was ‘inspired’ by the zeal and enthusiasm of the participants who had come from far-flung districts to get trained in mushroom cultivation. He told the participants that the department had chosen to impart training in mushroom cultivation as the novel coronavirus pandemic had hit hard the world’s economy and its activities and had been affected by it.

“We as a human being depend on agriculture and horticulture products,” said Wotsa. He maintained that there are reports where rain had also destroyed and damaged many winter crops, which is a concern.

The official said that the department had come up with a ‘concept to bridge the gap that would fetch immediate income for farmers and uplift the economy of the state of Nagaland.’

The official spoke about the advantages of mushroom cultivation stating that it takes the shortest time to generate income as it takes only 21 days for people to start ‘horticultural entrepreneurship.’

Wotsa told the participants that natural calamities do not impact mushrooms. According to him it is a low-cost practice that does not require much space and every individual, irrespective of profession, could take it up as it is not time-consuming. He also spoke about cultivation strategies and culture stating that the produce is in high demand while also being nutritious.

Earlier, the chairman of the inaugural programme, N Jerry Patton, joint director for Horticulture, urged the participants to keep their interest consistent stating that the Nagas have a keen interest in learning but lack consistency.

Later, technical sessions were held with deputy director of Horticulture Meyasashi as the trainer on the "method and process of oyster mushroom cultivation," among others.

Another trainer, assistant director of Horticulture, T Eluba, trained the participants on judicious management of mushroom unit" and ‘cost and benefits of mushroom cultivation.’