Training programme on Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) Conservation and Mushroom Cultivation Entrepreneurship Development

14^th March 2025, Phek, Nagaland

A 5-day training program on Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) Conservation Awareness and Mushroom Cultivation Entrepreneurship Development was organized by the ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Phek, under the ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun (NRCM), Medziphema, from March 10 to 14, 2025. The programme, sponsored by the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, under the NEH Sub-Plan, aimed at raising awareness about PGR conservation, promoting mushroom cultivation, and enhancing entrepreneurship among farmers in the Phek district.

Dr Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Senior Scientist and Head of ICAR-KVK Phek, inaugurated the program and highlighted the significance of conserving PGRs for sustainable agriculture. He stressed the need to promote entrepreneurship in mushroom farming as an avenue for income generation and rural development.

The training included expert lectures on the cultivation of oyster mushrooms, production technology for Shiitake mushrooms, and value addition to mushroom products. Practical, hands-on training in oyster mushroom farming was provided to participants, enabling them to gain valuable experience in this growing agricultural sector.

Additionally, the programme featured a farmer-scientist interaction session, where participants shared their innovative farming practices, discussed challenges, and exchanged knowledge with experts. Valuable inputs were distributed to participants under the NEH Sub-Plan, and certificates were awarded after each session.

A total of 150 farmers from various parts of the Phek district participated in the training, marking the programme as a significant initiative in strengthening agricultural sustainability and fostering entrepreneurship in the region.

The initiative is expected to empower farmers with the knowledge and skills to promote sustainable farming practices, conserve plant genetic resources, and venture into mushroom cultivation as a viable business, thus contributing to the self-reliance of farmers in Nagaland.

(Source: ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema)