Educational Visit to the ICAR – Directorate of Mushroom Research (DMR), Solan
An educational visit was organized for the B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture students of RIMT University to the ICAR – Directorate of Mushroom Research (DMR), Solan, under the guidance of Dr. Gurvinder Kaur. The main objective of the visit was to provide students with practical exposure to the cultivation, research, and processing of edible and medicinal mushrooms.
About ICAR–DMR, Solan
The ICAR–Directorate of Mushroom Research is India’s leading institute devoted to mushroom science. It focuses on research, development, and extension in areas such as mushroom breeding, spawn production, cultivation technology, pest and disease management, and post-harvest processing. The institute also conducts training programs for students, farmers, and entrepreneurs to promote mushroom cultivation across the country.
Activities and Observations
During the visit, students were introduced to various aspects of mushroom cultivation and research. The major highlights included:
- Introduction to Different Mushroom Species: Students observed various edible and medicinal mushrooms, including:
- Agaricus bisporus (Button Mushroom)
- Pleurotus spp. (Oyster Mushroom)
- Lentinula edodes (Shiitake Mushroom)
- Ganodermalucidum (Reishi or Lingzhi Mushroom)
- Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail Mushroom)
- Spawn Production and Cultivation Techniques: Demonstrations were given on the preparation of mushroom spawn, composting, substrate sterilization, casing, and environmental control measures required for different species.
- Post-Harvest Handling and Value Addition: Students learned about drying, packaging, and marketing techniques to enhance the shelf life and commercial value of mushrooms.
- Research and Development: Scientists at DMR shared insights on ongoing research projects related to strain improvement, disease resistance, and medicinal properties of mushrooms.
