The Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, organised an ‘OUAT Mushroom Conclave-2023’ on Saturday. Minister Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment, Fisheries and ARD Ranendra Pratap Swain was chief guest.

Swain emphasised on enhancement of large-scale mushroom production and said that research efforts needs to be enhanced for efficient mushroom production system in the State.

The OUAT is continuously doing research for better production of mushroom and spawn. Training programmes are being organised for the farmers as well as entrepreneurs, said Vice Chancellor, OUAT Prof Pravat Kumar Roul in his address.

The Odisha Government launched a Mushroom Mission to enhance production of button mushroom, paddy-straw mushroom and oyster mushrooms, said Director Horticulture, Rohit Kumar Lenka who addressed the occasion as guest of honour. He elaborated about benefit of the mission for the farmers.

Dr Adwaita Kumar Patra, eminent mushroom scientist and president of Odisha Mushroom Growers Federation, attended as guest of honor and presented some

issues in the field of mushroom production.

Dr Patra emphasized on development of advanced technology, market linkage and integrated cold chain system for mushroom. Discussions were made on thematic areas like marketing, processing, institutional building, policy, credit and insurance, production etc associated with mushroom.

An exhibition was also organised with display of mushroom technology

and mushroom products.