Comprehensive training programme on year-round mushroom cultivation was conducted for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by Konger Agritech, based in Dimapur.
Dimapur, September 17 (MExN): In a first of its kind and in a step towards promoting sustainable livelihoods and economic development, a comprehensive training programme on year-round mushroom cultivation was recently conducted for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by Konger Agritech, based in Dimapur, an organisation specialising in training and promoting mushroom cultivation, as well as producing high-quality spawns.
The training was designed to equip participants not only with cultivation skills but also with a holistic understanding of the mushroom value chain including covering market knowledge, branding, packaging, and retailing, stated a press release.
The programme introduced SHGs from Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM) to cultivation practices tailored to different seasons, ensuring income opportunities throughout the year.
Some of the mushroom varieties included milky mushroom for the hot season, grey oyster mushroom, split gill mushroom, and wood ear mushroom for the warm season and King oyster mushroom for the cold season. “This is especially to ensure year round engagement for the farmers and sustainable income,” it stated.
Participants were trained to utilise easily available raw materials such as sawdust (a by-product of sawmills) and agricultural residues like paddy straw—turning waste into wealth while also reducing environmental impact. The training attendees included members of NSRLM Self-Help Groups from Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland districts. A total of 35 participants took part, including staff from NSRLM Dimapur.
Beyond cultivation, the training emphasised market orientation, enabling SHGs to understand consumer demand, develop basic branding strategies, improve packaging standards, and explore retail channels. This integrated approach ensures that SHGs can position themselves competitively in local, regional markets and even beyond. The organisation also emphasizes on the need to create value- added products from mushrooms, such as dried mushrooms, mushroom powders, pickles, snacks, and nutraceuticals. These not only extend the shelf life of the produce but also open up new avenues for income generation, entrepreneurship, and market expansion.
Mushrooms are not only a source of livelihood but also of nutritional and health benefits. For instance wood ear mushrooms support heart health and are known for their high fiber content, Milky mushrooms are rich in protein and vitamins, promoting immunity, grey oyster mushrooms help reduce cholesterol and are packed with antioxidants, split gill mushrooms are valued for their medicinal properties and digestive benefits and king oyster mushrooms are a great source of protein, aiding in muscle health and providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
Talking about the training, Dr Sosang Longkumer Founder and Director of Konger Agritech mentioned, “We are looking ahead and planning to extend this training to individuals and unemployed youth in the coming days. The goal is to promote the production of good-quality, locally grown mushrooms that cater not only to local consumers but also to wider markets. This will create new opportunities for consumers to enjoy a greater variety of mushrooms while fostering entrepreneurship and livelihood generation at the grassroots.”
The initiative is expected to enhance household income, encourage self-reliance, and contribute to sustainable rural development by empowering SHGs and youth with skills that span the entire mushroom production-to-market cycle.
