Don Bosco Tech Society, Sambalpur Center arranged the 2nd Guest lecturer for Mushroom Grower (Batch - 8, Accenture - 12) job role on February 1, 2023. The designated topic for the above-mentioned session was “Production of different mushrooms in different seasons”. The guest lecture started with the welcome address by the domain trainer Mr. Dillip Kumar Behera. He introduced and welcomed Ms. Minati Singh from Minati Mushroom Farm to deliver the lecture.

Ms. Minati discussed in detail on various types of mushrooms to be grown in different seasons of the year and the factors affecting them. Button mushroom, oyster mushroom & paddy straw mushrooms are the three major types used for cultivation in India. Paddy straw mushrooms can grow in temperatures ranging from 35 – 40 Degree Celsius. They are grown on raised platforms under shadow or in well-ventilated rooms. Oyster mushrooms can grow at a moderate temperature for a period of 6 - 8 months in a year, while button mushrooms grow during the winter season she said. All these mushrooms of commercial importance are grown by different methods and techniques.

She extended the session by explaining various factors those affect the growth of mushroom cultivation such as climate, disease, etc. She also deliberated on different stages of mushroom cultivation like preparation of spawn, Substrate preparation, spawning of substrate, and crop management. She has also described the steps to follow in production process such as composting, spawning, casing, pinning, and cropping.

As the session was approaching its climax, trainees shared their queries and the guest answered each of them with great patience, to the satisfaction of the trainees. She also pointed out the importance of mushroom cultivation in making somebody self-reliant leading to self-employment. Ms. Minati also gave a few tips on how to prevent spillage during the process of production. Trainees were very enthusiastic and energetic throughout the session. Ms. Minati was very amazed by the participation and interest showed by the participants in the program.

Ms. Minati summed up the session by thanking the trainees for a patient hearing. The session ended with a hearty thanks to Ms. Minati by Mr. Sarat Chandra Dash in appreciation for taking the time out to educate the trainees.