(a) whether there is huge potential for cultivation of mushroom in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the mushroom cultivators are deprived of facilities available to the farmers since mushroom cultivation has
been included under industry by several States;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps being taken by the Government to provide these facilities to mushroom cultivators?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)
(a)&(b): Yes, Sir.India, with varied agro-climatic, abundant raw materials (about 600 millions tones agro-waste/annum) and
manpower, has huge potential for production of different types of mushrooms in various regions and seasons throughout the
year.At present India is producing about 1,00,000 tonnes/annum.
(c)to(e): For enhancing horticulture production including mushroom, two Centrally Sponsored Schemes namely National
Horticulture Mission and Horticulture Technology Mission for North Eastern and Himalayan States, are being implemented in
the country.The schemes aimed at increasing production and productivity of horticultural produce including mushroom in
the country to meet the growing demand in the domestic as well as export market.However, there is some variation in power
tariffs and income tax on cultivation of mushrooms in different States depending upon the classification of mushrooms.