MoU signed with JICA for mushroom cultivation centre

Our Correspondent

Palampur, June 18

CSK HP Agriculture University and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to set up Rs 5 crore model “Shitake Cultivation Training Centre” (SCTC) in the university.

Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial, Vice Chancellor, said that setting up of the training centre in the university will help train farmers for the cultivation of ‘shitake’ mushroom, popularly known as Japanese mushroom, and its promotion for increasing their income. The Vice-Chancellor informed that it is a prized mushroom with delicious taste and texture.

‘Shitake’ mushroom is used for boosting immune system, lowering blood cholesterol levels, treating diabetes, eczema, cold and flu, prostrate or breast cancer and as an anti-ageing agent. It is also used for treating hepatitis B, herpes, high blood pressure and stomach ache.

Prof Sarial said ‘Shitake’, also called Japanese Wood Mushroom, is most popular and important cultivated mushroom in Japan. Through this collaboration, new opportunities would be opened for the farmers to get the supply of mushroom cultivation blocks at the centre’s outlet enabling them to run such potential enterprise to increase their income. This will also help in supplying this mushroom with high nutritional and medicinal properties to the people of the state and beyond.

Prof Sarial said a scientist from the university and two Agricultural Development Officers of the Department of Agriculture have been deputed for three months training on basic skills of saw dust block manufacturing and ‘Shitake’ mushroom cultivation in Japan.

The agriculture officers will act as disseminators to impart training to ‘Shitake’ grower farmers and carry out research and development activities in the state.