J&K Agriculture Dept Conducts Successful Trials of Shiitake Mushroom Cultivation

The agriculture department of Jammu and Kashmir has successfully completed field trials of Shiitake mushroom cultivation, one of the most expensive mushrooms. Shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes), a type of edible fungus native to Japan and China, contains lentinan, a chemical that some medical professionals use to boost the immune system, according to officials.

"We have completed successful trials of this mushroom variety. It's a significant accomplishment for us," said Agriculture Department Director K K Sharma. Sharma stated that the department conducted two successful field trials in the climatic conditions of Jammu.

"We used wooden chips and sawdust in one of the trails, which resulted in fruiting bodies. We are confident mushrooms will begin to grow in the coming days." The second trial was carried out across multiple blocks using Japanese technology.

"The Mushroom Institute Palampur provided these blocks in Himachal Pradesh (HP)," Sharma explained, adding, "These trails were also a success as we observed the growth of fruiting bodies here as well."

According to the director, now that the trials have been successful, these technologies will be shared with farmers for mass cultivation of this mushroom. "These technologies will be distributed to farmers within the next six months," he stated. According to officials, it will be regarded as a move to bring about an economic boom in the farming sector regarding mushroom cultivation.

Shiitake is a high-value mushroom variety, according to Sharma, who adds, "It is thought to be an immunity booster and is a popular ingredient in soups. It's even used in pharmaceuticals." Shiitake mushrooms are the world's second most popular mushroom. The immune system may be stimulated by lentinan and other chemicals in Shiitake mushroom," he said.