Elm oyster mushroom cultivated in Basar

BASAR, 29 Sep: Elm oyster mushroom (Hypsizygus ulmarius) has been successfully cultivated here in Leparada district through the innovative efforts of the All India Coordinated Research Project’s (AICRP) ‘Mushroom Project’, marking a significant milestone for local agriculture.

“Known for its remarkable biological efficiency of up to 98%, this mushroom not only boasts a meaty texture and subtle flavour, making it a versatile addition to any dish, but also offers numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties,” the Mushroom Research & Training Centre here said in a release.

“With training programmes available at the centre, and the potential for fresh, dried, or powdered sales, aspiring growers in Arunachal Pradesh have a golden opportunity to tap into this thriving market while promoting sustainable farming practices,” it added.

Elm oyster mushroom thrives in regions of Arunachal with temperatures between 20-25 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for local cultivation.

“Additionally, spent mushroom substrate (SMS) can be repurposed as high-quality organic manure or for vermicomposting, contributing to sustainable farming practices,” the release stated.