An off-campus skill-based training cum demonstration programme on “Paddy Straw Mushroom Farming for Enhanced Family Income, Nutritional Security and Rural Entrepreneurship” was organized on 3rd September, 2026 at Fakirapada adopted village of Balipatna block in Khordha under the Scheduled Cast Sub-Plan (SCSP) Programme in collaboration with the ‘Shishu Ananta Farmers Producers Company (FPC) Ltd, Balipatna’. At the outset, Dr. Bira Kishore Sethy, Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer (SCSP) discussed on various technological interventions and activities being undertaken for the livelihood security of SC farm families through scientific crop and water management technologies under the programme of the Institute. Later, he sensitized about enormous health benefits of edible and commercial mushrooms as amazing nutritious foods and how farmers can become self-reliant/ Atmanirbhar by adopting mushroom farming in an entrepreneurial mode. Dr. Sumanta Kumar Mishra, Principal Scientist and Member (SCSP) highlighted that the hot and humid coastal climate of Odisha provides an ideal environment for cultivating the paddy straw mushroom from February through November. He briefed about types of edible mushrooms, commercial aspects of mushroom production, cultivation practices of paddy straw mushroom and discussed its importance in supplementing family nutrition and generating additional family income to support livelihoods. He added, mushroom cultivation is a low-cost, eco-friendly agribusiness option with high market demand and quick returns. Besides homestead cultivation, small-scale commercial setups can be initiated with a minimal capital of around Rs.5,000 by using local agricultural waste and bamboo frames. Later, Dr Mishra imparted practical knowledge and skill on paddy straw mushroom farming and demonstrated step-wise methods along with necessary care and management of mushroom beds with the active involvement of participants. As critical inputs, 300 mushroom spawn bottles and required polythene sheets were provided benefiting all the 48 participating farmers, farmwomen and youths. The programme was assisted by Ms. Isha Anindita Sahoo, SRF and Mr. Santanu Kumar Sahoo, Field Assistant of the Institute.
