Ludhiana: From simple compost to high-value “white gold”, more than 90 farmers across Punjab are learning “spore-tacular” skills needed to turn fungi into a full-time fortune.In a bid to diversify Punjab’s agricultural landscape and boost rural incomes, the Punjab Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (PAMETI) has concluded a comprehensive four-day workshop on mushroom cultivation and processing.Supported by the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) project, the program drew 92 farmers and farm women from across the state to the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) campus. The initiative sought to transform traditional growers into “agri-entrepreneurs” by focusing on high-value fungal crops.From Spore to Spoon: The CurriculumThe training bridged the gap between lab science and field application, utilising experts from PAU’s microbiology and food science department. Mycologists detailed the specific varieties suited for Punjab’s climate. Farmers were taught the nuances of farm design and the critical differences between “short” and “long” methods of compost preparation.Participants engaged in practical sessions on spawn (seed) inoculation and compost management. Moving beyond raw sales, Dr. Poonam Sachdev led sessions on processing mushrooms into long-life products like pickles, powders, and dried slices to ensure year-round profitability.Logistics and Market ReadinessA key highlight of the program was the focus on the “Small-scale Packaging Centre” developed at PAMETI. Ravneet Singh, deputy director (PHT), demonstrated specialised packaging techniques designed specifically to help small and marginal farmers compete in retail markets. To provide a real-world perspective, the cohort visited a successful commercial mushroom unit in Malliana village, Moga, where they observed large-scale production in action.Financial and Strategic SupportUnderstanding that infrastructure requires capital, the program included sessions on subsidies and marketing. Govt financial support schemes are available under the horticulture department. Strategic sessions on branding and supply chain management for perishable produce. K B Singh, director of PAMETI, has underscored that mushroom farming is not just an alternative crop but a vital tool for self-sufficiency, offering high returns on relatively small land holdings.
