Mushroom cultivation and marketing are expanding in and around Bengaluru, though production remains below that of other Indian states. Experts attribute this to a delayed start in Karnataka and the absence of organised market structures.
Senior scientist at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Sciences, Chandrashekara C, noted that several mushroom cultivation units have emerged in the Bengaluru region, including Dabaspet, Nelamangala, Bidadi, and Malur. “However, these are of 1–2 ton daily capacity, unlike the units in states which are major producers. A single producer from Pune ships about 20 tons of mushrooms every day to Bengaluru,” he said.
While local demand continues to rise, most mushrooms sold in Bengaluru are supplied from neighbouring states such as Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Chandrashekara explained that the absence of organised markets, similar to those for vegetables, has slowed the sector’s development. “The short shelf life of mushrooms is another challenge, as is the lack of awareness and widespread consumption patterns in Karnataka as well as in India,” he added.
The University of Agricultural Sciences Bengaluru (UAS-B), in partnership with industry representatives, recently hosted a two-day India Mushroom Summit in Bengaluru. The event addressed cultivation techniques, value addition, research, and market development.
UAS-B vice-chancellor SV Suresha described mushrooms as an important component for improving nutrition security in India. “With a good amount of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and minimal fat content, mushrooms have immense potential in addressing nutrient insecurity. We need more programmes to enhance mushroom cultivation in India,” he said.
Chandrashekara also highlighted that mushroom cultivation makes use of agricultural waste, contributing to a circular production model.
Industry leaders at the summit noted that India’s mushroom sector, which began expanding after 2010, is growing at an annual rate of about 10–15%. However, they pointed to low productivity as a major limitation and called for wider adoption of modern cultivation techniques and technologies to improve efficiency.
Source: The Times of India