On August 24, 2023, the eager minds of Accenture 2023–24 Batch 3 students at the Don Bosco Tech Thakurmunda Center were illuminated by an insightful guest lecture titled "Significance of Mushroom Cultivation and Its Prospects as a Source of Income." Hosted by the center, this enriching session featured Mr. Sukanta Kumar Sahoo, the esteemed Project Coordinator of Livelihood at the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Society (OFSDS), as the distinguished guest lecturer.

The event commenced with a warm welcome by the Center Head, Mr. Sarat Chandra Tripathy, who introduced and extended gracious greetings to Mr. Sukanta Kumar Sahoo for his enlightening discourse.

Mr. Sahoo captivated the audience by expounding on the significance of mushrooms, elucidating various cultivation practices, and delineating the potential income streams associated with mushroom cultivation. He highlighted the commercial importance of oyster, paddy straw, and button mushrooms, shedding light on diverse cultivation methodologies for each.

Transitioning seamlessly from theory to practice, Mr. Sahoo demonstrated intricate mushroom cultivation techniques, emphasizing raw material preparation and bagging procedures. His discourse explored the multifaceted nature of mushrooms, covering their medicinal, nutritional, and economic value, sparking engaging discussions on value-added mushroom products.

Of particular interest was Mr. Sahoo's insightful explanation of the mushroom spawn production process, accompanied by a live demonstration within a specialized mushroom lab setting.

The interactive session showcased the immense value of engaging students with field experts. Questions flowed freely, offering unique real-world insights and experiences.

Mr. Sahoo concluded the session by graciously addressing queries and encouraging trainees to consider mushroom cultivation as a viable business avenue, imparting his well-wishes for their future endeavors. The event culminated with heartfelt appreciation extended to Mr. Sahoo by Mr. Sarat Chandra Tripathy and Mr. Jagadish Prasad Swain for his invaluable contribution to the students' education.