With the aim of diversifying mushroom cultivation and expanding opportunities in the farming sector, scientists at Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Bhagalpur, have developed a disease-resistant pink oyster mushroom with a short crop cycle of 20-25 days, enabling quicker harvesting and faster returns on investment (FROI) for farmers.
The pink mushroom project (PMP) at BAU developed the variety under the guidance of vice chancellor D R Singh with scientist Sneha Shikha as the lead researcher.
Shikha said the mushroom is well suited to warm climatic conditions and grows effectively at around 30°C with high humidity. "This makes it a suitable option for cultivation even during warmer months, especially in regions with hot and humid conditions like Bihar," she said, adding that its improved yield stability makes it more suitable than conventional strains.
She said the variety efficiently utilises lignocellulosic substrates such as paddy and wheat residues, has high humidity tolerance (80-90%) and enjoys strong market value due to its distinct colour and flavour. "Opting for cultivating pink oyster mushroom will highly improve profitability of the farmers besides extending the cultivation window," she added.
Read more at Times of India
