Two day training program on mushroom cultivation under RKVY-RAFTAAR 2019-20 organized by the Department of Horticulture kick started with the inaugural program at the conference hall, Directorate of Horticulture, Kohima on 21 October 2020.

Additional Director, Horticulture, Qhutovi delivering the key note address said that the training was necessitated due to drastic fall in the economic activity across the world and in Nagaland due to the ongoing pandemic adding that the training on mushroom cultivation will not only help to generate immediate income but uplift the economic sustainability to the farmers .

He remarked that mushroom cultivation is one of the shortest, low cost and fastest viable income generating among the horticulture entrepreneurship as the farmer can start harvesting mushroom within 21 days. He therefore, urged all the participants to make the best use of what they have learned from the training and start generating income to become self-reliant.

Trainers for the technical Session were Deputy Director Horticulture, Meyasashi and Assistant Horticulture Officer, T. Eluba, where they presented a topic on method and process of Oyster Mushroom Cultivation, hands on demonstration, Judicious Management of Mushrooms Unit and Cost and Benefit of Mushroom Cultivation.

Due to pandemic trainings for the farmers were carried out in two batches strictly following all the SOPs. Altogether 6 districts- Zunheboto, Longleng, Mon, Kiphire, Tuensang and Phek attended the first day training program and beneficiaries were given materials to cultivate mushroom.

(Esuihangle &Tovikali, IA)