On November 7, 2023, a guest lecture on "Preparation of Mushroom Bed Making & Diseases" was successfully organized at Don Bosco Tech Sambalpur Center for Batch-05 students of Accenture 2023-24. Mr. Ranjan Pradhan, Supervisor of A.B. Mushroom Farm, graced the event as the esteemed Guest Lecturer.

The session commenced with a warm welcome address by Mr. Dillip Kumar Behera, the domain trainer, introducing and inviting Mr. Ranjan Pradhan to share his expertise.

Mr. Pradhan delved into various aspects of mushroom cultivation, emphasizing the pivotal role of substrate preparation in forming the mushroom bed. He highlighted the importance of an organic blend comprising straw, hay, and nutrient-rich supplements to facilitate mycelium expansion. Additionally, he shed light on the advantages of Paddy straw mushroom cultivation, elucidating on the production costs for initiating small-scale cultivation at home. Notably, he introduced integrated pest management strategies, advocating for natural predators and vigilant monitoring to prevent potential outbreaks.

During the session, students actively engaged and enthusiastically inquired about career prospects in mushroom cultivation. The lecture offered a comprehensive overview of the intricate process involved in preparing mushroom beds and addressed the challenges posed by diseases.

Mr. Pradhan concluded the session by addressing student queries and discussing the significant potential for self-employment, underscoring how mushroom cultivation could offer a sustainable livelihood. The event concluded with heartfelt thanks extended to Mr. Pradhan by the support domain trainer, Mr. Sarat Chandra Dash, expressing gratitude for sharing his knowledge and time to enlighten the students.