On October 26, 2023, Don Bosco Tech Society's Sambalpur Center achieved a significant milestone by organizing its first guest lecture focused on the art of mushroom cultivation. This enlightening event was tailored exclusively for Batch – 05 of Accenture 2023-24 trainees.

Mr. Samir Kumar Tandi from Indian Mushroom Farm graced the occasion as the esteemed guest lecturer, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise. The session commenced with a warm welcome from Sr. Sarita Kujur, who introduced Mr. Samir Kumar Tandi, setting the stage for an insightful discourse.

During the lecture, Mr. Tandi delved into various theoretical aspects of mushroom cultivation methods, particularly emphasizing the meticulous procedure of preparing a mushroom bed using paddy straw. He elaborated on the process, detailing the use of 30-40 kg paddy straw per bed, comprising 4-5 layers, along with specific quantities of spawn and red gram powder. Mr. Tandi highlighted the importance of maintaining optimum humidity (80-85%) and temperature (30-35°C), outlining an 8-10 day period for the complete spread of mycelium within the straw, encapsulated under polythene sheets.

Addressing the trainees, Mr. Tandi emphasized the socio-economic significance of mushroom cultivation, underscoring its potential to create employment opportunities for rural youth. He also shared insights on financial support available from various banks, providing a concise overview of the steps involved in securing loans for mushroom cultivation.

The latter part of the session featured an engaging Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) segment, where trainees raised pertinent queries, and Mr. Tandi offered comprehensive responses, further enriching the attendees' understanding.

Expressing gratitude, Mr. Dillip Kumar Behera extended thanks to Mr. Samir Tandi for his invaluable time and knowledge shared with the trainees, marking the conclusion of this insightful session.