(a) whether the Government propose to train the entrepreneurs and small farmers to
produce white button mushrooms under the various climatical conditions in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps being taken by the Government in this
direction; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a) to (c): The Government of India implemented a Central Sector Scheme on
Mushroom Cultivation till October 2000. The scheme provided for supply of quality spawn,
pasteurized compost and handling facilities. One of the important components of the
scheme was training of farmers and entrepreneurs in mushroom cultivation including white
button mushrooms under various Agro-climatic conditions of the Country. Assistance of
Rs.1500.00 per trainee was provided under the scheme. The scheme has now been
subsumed in the Centrally Sponsored Scheme `Macro Management in Agriculture –
Supplementation/Complementation of States efforts through work plans`. The scheme
provides greater flexibility to States in prioritizing their needs. The States can pursue
mushroom cultivation including button mushroom under this scheme.
The Government is also implementing a Centrally Sponsored scheme on
`Technology Mission for Integrated Development Horticulture in North Eastern States
including Sikkim`. Establishment of integrated mushroom unit & development of
mushroom is part of this scheme wherein training is also provided to farmers and
entrepreneurs in latest techniques of mushroom cultivation.
Besides National Research Centre for Mushroom (Indian Council of Agriculture
Research), at Solan, (Himachal Pradesh) is regularly organizing training programmes for
entrepreneurs and small farmers from different States. Under these programes training on
cultivation technology of white button mushroom under various climatic conditions is
imparted.