Working on Mushroom cultivation and harnessing their potentials

02 Nov 2024 22:48:38
Dr W Mohendro Singh (AO, IBSD, Imphal)
Contd from previous issue
The study identified 14 newly recorded mushroom species in India, including Acyanoboletus controversus, Agaricus purpurlesquameus and Xerocomus albotomentosus.
The proximate composition analysis and nutraceutical profiling of the 20 wild edible mushrooms has been carried out. The nutritional profile of Macrocybe gigantea J124; Lactifluus leptomerus J201, Ramaria thindii J470 and Termitomyces clypeatus has been published. The entire mushroom was found to contain high protein, fibre, and energy value. M. gigantea J124 has rich minerals and vitamins content. Overall, these results indicate that the mushrooms studied are good sources of proteins, crude fiber, carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals and essential minerals like potassium and iron, making them valuable dietary supplement. Analysis of the T. clypeatus mushroom's extract revealed to exhibit significant antiviral activity, inhibiting replication of chikungunya (CHIKV) and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. It finding has been published in Food Bioscience journal. Further work on identification of bioactive metabolites and their mode of action is being carried out for various therapeutic application as very few related information is available.
The wild edible mushrooms are a manifestation of both a nutritionally functional food and a source of engagement for a successful social entrepreneurship venture. This is pertinent when considered for a holistic socio-economic development strategy in North East in general and Manipur in particular as it can be a boon in the field of nutraceuticals and also in generating gainful employment. These wild mushrooms from North East in general and Manipur in particular has shown paramount performance in terms of nutritional and therapeutic value, but the wild growing mushrooms are rarely available, the development of mass production technology is highly recommended. But, very little initiative has been taken up for the same for developing their effective cultivation.  BRIC-IBSD has successfully developed the technique of spawn production, cultivation of Split gill mushroom (Kanglayen) and their value addition. Further, the institute is working on identification bioactive compounds from other wild mushrooms with high nutraceutical and therapeutic value which has potential application for drug development and modern pharmacology. In addition, development of cultivation technique, for few potential wild mushrooms has been initiated. Dissemination of mass cultivation technique using cost-effective materials, and its popularization among mushroom growers will promote bio economy from the bioresource.
A workshop cum hands on training on Entrepreneurship development with mushroom cultivation was conducted on 24th – 25th October 2024, in which 30 progressive farmers participated. During the training program, 30 progressive farmers of Imphal has been trained on successful cultivation technique of two commercially important mushroom species, namely split gill mushroom/ Kanglayen, Schizophyllum commune and Oyster mushroom, Pleurotus oestratus. The workshop further demonstrated on the detailed know-how of scientific spawn production of mushroom. A certificate along with Kanglayen spawn and grow bags were distributed to the trainees.
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