SHRI SHIVAJI SCIENCE COLLEGE, AMRAVATI

DBT STAR COLLEGE PROJECT ACTIVITY

ACTIVITY REPORT

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One Day Workshop on "Mushroom Cultivation: Today's Need & Opportunities


Activity Dates: 1st March 2025

Type of Activity: Students Workshop

Organizing Department: Department of Botany & Bioinformatics

Program Coordinators: Dr. G. B. Hedawoo

Head of the Department: Dr. D.D. Khedkar

External Collaborator (if any): Brijlal Biyani Science College, Amravati • Shri Shivaji College of Agriculture Biotechnology, Amravati Mycological Society of India, Amravati Unit • Industry Partner: Samruddhi Mushrooms

Objectives:

No of Beneficieries: Online (168), Present (94)

Classes Involved: UG Students

Venue of the Activity: A.V. Theater, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati

Activity Report:

Introduction:
The one-day workshop on "Mushroom Cultivation: Today's Need & Opportunities" was organized by the Department of Botany, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, in collaboration with various stakeholders including Brijlal Biyani Science College, Amravati, Shri Shivaji College of Agriculture Biotechnology, Amravati, Mycological Society of India, Amravati Unit and Industry partner Samruddhi Mushrooms. The workshop aimed to shed light on the importance of mushroom cultivation in today's context, particularly in the wake of the New Education Policy's emphasis on skill-based activities for employment generation and the utilization of Agricultural waste for eco-friendly practices. Mushroom cultivation, being a sustainable, low-cost, and fast-yielding agricultural practice, fits perfectly into this educational paradigm. The workshop was designed to inspire participants — particularly students, budding entrepreneurs, and farmers — to explore the opportunities and benefits of mushroom cultivation, especially in utilizing agricultural waste and addressing malnutrition and rural unemployment.
Inaugural function:
The workshop began with a formal inaugural ceremony.The inaugural function of the workshop commenced with dignitaries gracing the stage, where they lightened the lamp and garlanded the photos of Sant Gadge Baba and Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh. Following this, a warm welcome address and introductory speech was delivered by Dr. Dinesh D. Khedkar, Head Department of Botany, highlighting NEP, skill-based various academic, social, environmental, and extension activities run by the department. Dr. N. J. Chikhle, Principal Shri Shivaji College of Agriculture Biotechnology, Amravati guided the students as a chief guest. He inspired the students to take advantage of such skillful techniques and make the mushroom as a part of their food. Dr. G. V. Korpe, Principal of the College in his presidential address emphasized the alignment of such activities with the objectives of the New Education Policy and the socio-economic development of the country. He talked about skill-based employment and the importance of exploring innovative agricultural practices like mushroom cultivation. Dr. Suchita Khodke, executive of MSI, Amravati Unit, and Dr. Suruchi Kadu, Biyani Science College, Amravati grace the function.
Technical sessions:
The technical sessions were carefully curated to cover all essential aspects of mushroom cultivation, from theoretical knowledge to real-world application.
Session I: Cultivation Techniques of Pleurotus Mushroom
The first session, led by Dr. Ganesh B. Hedawoo, mushroom expert and trainer(Department of Botany), focused on the cultivation technology of five different species of Pleurotus (Oyster mushrooms). He captivated the undergraduate, postgraduate and research students of collaborative institutes with insights into 5 different species of Pleurotus mushroom cultivation technology and practical demonstrations. His expertise provided valuable insights into cultivation techniques, igniting enthusiasm among participants to delve deeper into the nuances of mushroom cultivation. Through interactive discussions and live demonstrations, during this session helped solidify the learners’ understanding and encouraged them to pursue mushroom cultivation practically. Dr. Hedawoo laid a solid foundation for further exploration, employment and learning in this vital field of sustainable agriculture
Session II: Nutritional and Medicinal Properties
The second technical session, conducted by Ms. Dipali Bharsakade, former Principal of Shri Shivaji College of Agriculture Biotechnology, explored the nutritional and medicinal properties of mushrooms. With her expertise, she elucidated on the diverse health benefits offered by mushrooms, highlighting their rich nutrient content and therapeutic value.
She provided valuable insights into their role in:
• Boosting immunity.
• Managing lifestyle diseases like diabetes and obesity.
• Acting as functional foods and natural antioxidants.
This session helped participants understand mushrooms beyond cultivation — as a powerful component in nutritional security and health management.
Session III: Culinary Applications
An engaging presentation by Ms. Khushi Gupta, M.Sc. II Year student, shared her experienced practical culinary techniques, showcasing how mushrooms can be incorporated into delicious and healthy recipes like mushroom subji, cakes, Nankhatai, biscuits, chocolates. Her session provided attendees with valuable knowledge and inspiration for harnessing the potential of mushrooms for both nutrition and wellness. Her demonstration was both educational and inspiring, adding a creative dimension to the perception of mushrooms as not only food but also a business opportunity in health-oriented snacks.
Session IV: Industrial Perspective and Market Trends
In the fourth session, Mr. Milind N. Kambe, Director of Samruddhi Mushrooms, shared insights into their experiences in the Pleurotus mushroom industry, providing valuable perspectives on market trends and challenges. Interactive sessions allowed participants to engage with experts and clarify their doubts regarding various aspects of mushroom cultivation and business opportunities; and discussing the potential for entrepreneurship in this field could inspire many to pursue their interests and ideas. Participants gained practical insights into the business side of mushroom farming, which is crucial for those aspiring to become entrepreneurs in this field.
In the interval, the participants enjoyed the flavor of Nankhatai and Mushroom soup.
Hands-on sessions are incredibly valuable for learning, especially in fields like Mycology where practical experience is essential; having experts like Dr. Ganesh Hedawoo and Mr. Milind Kambe leading the training would ensure that the students receive top-notch guidance and instruction. Providing each student with a seeded bag of mushrooms is a wonderful way to allow them to apply what they've learned and continue their exploration of mushroom cultivation beyond the session. Overall, it sounds like a well-organized and enriching experience for the U.G. and P.G. students involved.
Mr. Pradip Yeotikar, owner of PROVIT Mushrooms displayed various mushroom products not only showcasing the versatility of mushrooms but also educating people about the different ways they can incorporate mushrooms into their diet and lifestyle. Additionally, offering these products in the form of dry mushrooms, soup powder, papad, pickle, Nankhatai etc. for sale provides attendees with the opportunity to purchase and try them firsthand, further encouraging them to incorporate mushrooms into their regular consumption habits. Overall, it sounds like a great way to promote mushrooms and their health benefits while also providing a platform for selling mushroom products.
The workshop concluded with a valedictory session, closing remarks emphasized the importance of incorporating mushroom cultivation into agricultural practices for sustainable development. Online certificates were generated to those who have attended the workshop and submitted their feedback.
Dr. Swati Pundkar, Dr. A.S. Kale, Dr. A. N. Darsimbe, Dr. P.D. Deshmukh, and Mr. Gokul Bajaj worked as organizing committee members.
Dr. Rekha Maggirwar compared the entire program. extended sincere gratitude to all the organizers, collaborators, speakers, participants, and sponsors for their valuable contributions in making the workshop a resounding success.
Conclusion
The workshop on “Mushroom Cultivation: Today’s Need & Opportunities” was a resounding success, combining theory, practice, and entrepreneurship into a compact, impactful event. It not only fulfilled its core objectives but also inspired participants to explore mushroom cultivation as a means of sustainable living, health improvement, and income generation. Events like this are essential in transforming academic knowledge into real-world applications that benefit society at large.

Outcomes:

Photos:

Participants involed in training for mushroom bags
Participants involed in training for mushroom bags
Inaugral session
Inaugral session
Hnads on training
Hnads on training
Cultivated mushrooms
Cultivated mushrooms
Homemade product from mushroom
Homemade product from mushroom
Participants ready with mushroom bags
Participants ready with mushroom bags

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