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Now, grow chem-free mushies at home

IIHR scientists claim these mushrooms are most hygienic and pesticide-free, unlike mushrooms in market.

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The Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR) has come up with a new variety of mushrooms which can be grown at households and used for edible purposes without any risk involved.

As many as 400 households and hotels located around Hesaraghatta are using the new variety of Oyster mushrooms developed by the institute.

“With the available infrastructure, we have reached these many people. Now, we want to reach out to every household in Bangalore and other urban centres,” said Dr Nita Khandekar, principal scientist, extension and training wing of IIHR.

The institute is offering the mushroom-growing technology free of cost. The new variety of ready to reap Oyster mushroom is available in yellow, black, pink, grey, brown and white colours, at the cost of Rs10 per packet.

“The bags are called ‘ready to fruit’, which will yield in four days. All people need to do is cut the plastic bag in eight places and sprinkle water. As much as 200 grams of mushroom could be obtained, twice,” explains Dr Meera Pandey, principle scientist.

Dr Pandey further explains that the mushrooms contain antioxidants which are largely used for weight reduction.

“We are focusing on developing recipes with mushrooms which have daily value. Children eat noodles which are less in nutrition, and could be supplemented with mushroom powder instead,” she underlined. Dr. Pandey also explained that by consuming mushrooms instead of tea and coffee, her medication decreased by 50%.

“One has to use mushrooms every day for three months to see the difference in health. About 200 grams of fresh mushrooms or 20 grams of mushroom powder is advisable per person,” she explains.

Soaring demand
The centre is currently producing 25,000 kg of mushroom seeds compared to 3,000 kg 10 years ago. Scientists are working on mobile cropping chambers, which make reaping crop at home convenient.

Since it is the only centre in South India, farmers from neighbouring states come here to get the technology and assistance. IIHR scientists have collected as many as 442 variety of mushrooms from Western Ghats, forests of Andaman, Madhya Pradesh, Sikkim and Gujarat.

Meat myth
Labelling mushrooms as meat is a myth, said Dr Pandey. It contains more iron and B-Vitamin and less protein compared to meat. Its one of the most hygienic, chemical free edible items available in the market.

Dr Senthil Kumar said that anything originating from plant is termed as vegetarian. Mushroom is grown on agricultural waste and plants. It comes from the plant cell.

China takes the lead
As many as 65 varieties of mushrooms are used in China. In India, only four varieties of mushrooms (Oyster, Button, Paddy Straw and Milky) are used. A fifth variety, Shiitake mushroom, is ready to enter the markets.

How to get it
Scientists said that whoever wants to know more about mushroom related technology, want to be entrepreneurs or grow them at home can contact 080 2846 6420 (Extension 347) or email: meera@iihr.ernet.in

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