‘Nagaland climate is suitable for Shiitake mushroom cultivation’

Our Reporter

Dimapur, Sept 4 (EMN): School of Agriculture Sciences and Rural development (SASRD), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, organised an online practical demonstration on ‘Cultivation practices of Shiitake mushroom’ on September 4.

Social entrepreneur and chief executive officer (CEO) of Alon MPCS limited (Society) and director of Konger Agritech Pvt. Ltd., Dr. Sosang Longkumer was the resource person of the programme.

Speaking about Shiitake mushroom, which is edible and native to East Asian, Longkumer explained that the word “Shitake” is derived from a Japanese word- “Shii” means Oak tree and “take” means mushroom. He also stated that cultivation of the mushroom could be done on any hard wood and soft wood except those with oil content.

Shiitake is a prized mushroom with delicious taste and texture and it is used medicinally for diseases involving depressed immune function, cancer and HIV, Longkumer said.

He stated that Shiitake mushroom has overtaken the button mushroom production over the years because of its demand worldwide. He, however, stated that in India, button mushroom still tops the list.

The resource person also said that the climate condition of Nagaland is suitable for Shiitake mushroom cultivation due to the availability of forest resources as compared to other parts of India. The cultivation of Shiitake mushroom requires cool temperature (7 to 25 degree Celsius) with high humidity (75 to 85% RH) and indirect sunlight with fresh air (light air movement).

Longkumer informed that climatic condition of Kohima, Tuensang, Mokokchung, Phek and Wokha districts are suitable for cultivation of Shiitake mushroom.

At the online demonstration, Longkumer explained in detail for cultivation of Shiitake mushroom beginning from ordering good quality spawn, obtaining of suitable hardwood logs, inoculating of logs and drilling for plugging of the spawn.

He also explained the procedures for watering the wood log, harvesting, market opportunities and linkage to farmers. He informed that Shiitake farmers would be connected to mainland India buyers directly and even buy back policy would be offered to the farmers under the project as per quality and terms and conditions.