Divya Rawat mushroom training tips | STN

Mushroom farming profitability is huge. Tips shared to start its farming like mushroom girl of Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand people wanted to get success like mushroom girl Divya Rawat. Uttarakhand has advantage of suitable whether. 

Divya Rawat is known as mushroom lady and she is a brand ambassador of mushroom farming in Uttarakhand. Oyster and Keedajadi are some precious types. Oyster mushroom selling price is Rs 1400 per kg which is huge. 

What is Mushroom 

Mushroom is a fungus and needs the medium to grow, medium like straw, wooden dust etc. All these mediums including dry popular leaves can be used for the cultivation. Mushrooms are an edible fungus that can provide several nutrients. 

Oyster (dhingri mushroom) are one of the easiest exotic mushrooms to grow and can produce a good profit in a small place. Oyster contains lovastatin a form of cholesterol lowering statin.

• Different Types of Mushroom

• Oyster.
• Button.
• Shiitake.
• Paddy Straw.
• Milky.

Mushroom farming in India is done in Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, UP, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu Kashmir. Mushroom cultivation in Uttarakhand actively increased a lot.

The credit goes to mushroom girl of Uttarakhand “Divya Rawat” for daring to try the new crop and starting its cultivation in Uttarakhand without any support. Divya belongs to Chamoli Garhwal region, Uttarakhand.

Oyster Mushroom Cultivation in India

For easy growing mushrooms at home you need to complete at least four basic steps and after completing these steps.

1. Chemical sterilization      2. Spawning     3. Mycelium Run      4. Fruiting Stage

I am sure if you will follow these four steps sincerely you can overcome all your doubts. 

1. Chemical sterilization 

There are many mediums like – wheat straw, wood dust, popular tree leaves etc.

Arrange water tank of 200 liters put hundred-liter water into it add 125 ml formalin, 10-12 gram Bavistin and mix it well. Add 10-15 kg wheat straw. Now press hard the wheat straw and mix all in water with putting good pressure on it (necessary). 

Cover the tanker from the top for at least 16 to 18 hours. Formalin is used to kill insects, mosquitos and bees but some insects may survive. To finish all insects cover it for this period, meanwhile, formalin releases a gas and finishes all these insects.

After 16 to 18 hours, drain out the water and spread all the wheat straw for 24 hours. Spread the straw due to the moisture, this spreading process takes place to reduce the moisture of the straw from a 100% to 50% only.

Most important reason to spread the wheat straw for 24 hours is to completely finish or reduce the effect of formalin gas so that it could not harm the spawn (mushroom seed). Remove the formalin gas completely from the wheat straw.

In winters 4 to 5 feet height (straw) is ok. In summers provide a shade over the straw.

Increasing the straw height results in increasing the straw temperature and not allow it to reduce the moisture as well. While touching the straw you must feel it cold, it should not remain hot at all.

Spread the straw with light hands don’t press it hard. Pressing it blocks the air path and air will not pass between the straw.

•  Install water tank of 200 litre.
•   Add 100 litre water.
•  Add 125 ml formalin.
•   Add 10-12 gram Bavistin.

Note – While using 1000 litre water, add formalin and bavistin in 1000 litre water i.e 125 ltr formalin x 10 = 1250 & in 2000 litre water 125 x 20 = 2500.

Bavistin – It is a fungicide used to clear all the fungus from straw.

Formalin – It is an insecticide used to clear all the insects like mosquito, bee etc.

2. How to grow oyster mushroom spawn

Technically mushroom seeds are known as spawn. Ask shopkeeper to give spawn instead of using the term seeds so that shopkeeper couldn’t play on you by offering you low quality spawn. 

To avoid the damage due to high temperature in India use poly bags of 16 x 18 inches. During temperature decrease it may take 30 days instead of 15 days but damage can be avoided. Therefor using 16 by 18 polybags is worth it in preventing temperature increase. 

Now lets get back to the spawning- Spawning are of two types 

1. Layer Spawning        2. Mix Spawning

You can use mix spawning to grow oyster mushroom, in gold mushroom layer spawning is necessary. Both methods can be used in growing oysters.

Layer Spawning– As the name indicates layers are made in this method. Arrange a poly bag of 16×18 inches cut both bottom ends. The bottom ends are cut to pass out the remaining water in the straw.

How to fill poly bag – In 1st layer add straw in 2nd layer add spawn and continue the pattern.

1. 1Layer – Add Straw
2. 2Layer – Add Spawn
3. 3Layer – Add Straw
4. 4Layer – Add Spawn
5. 5Layer – Add Straw
6. 6Layer – Add Spawn
7. 7Layer – Add Straw

Don’t change the sequence by yourself note 1st layer starts from the straw and ends with the straw. There are 3 spawn layers and 4 straw layers. 

After applying the layers tie the poly bag with rubber band. 

Note – 10 kg dry straw should contain 1 kg spawn. In one quintal dry straw 10 kg spawn needed and in 2 quintal 20 kg spawn is needed. 

To setup your own business start from a small room, at least 3 quintal dry straw needed in the beginning.

Mix Spawning – It is an easy process compared to layer spawning. Mix 20 kg spawn with 2 quintal straw and fill it in poly bags 16×18 no need to make layers. Remember, to cut poly bags from both bottom edges. Rest process is same which is explained above in layer spawning. 

Mushroom cultivation needs less water compared to other cultivations. 

Don’t tear the poly bag just make holes over the bag. Maintain distance and make around 13 to 14 holes on a single poly bag.

Wait until mushroom spreads out from the hole, once it grows a bit spray some water on it. Use minimum water like a barber sprays customers’ hair during hair cut that much water is enough.

The mushroom part packed in the poly bag do not need water. A little water (spray) required for the spread portion of mushroom that comes out from the hole.

After giving water to mushrooms water should be evaporate other wise they may rot. So give proper air to mushroom for 2 to 3 hours, open the windows of the room.

3. Mycelium Run – oyster mushroom growing temperature

In this process room will be closed for 14 – 15 days including all windows. Here we will look at the temperature which plays a vital role in mushroom cultivation. We will check both temperatures; room temperature and poly bag temperature in which we have filled the stuff (spawn-straw). 

• Room Temperature- 20 to 25 degree
• Polybag Temperature – 20 to 28 degree
• You will find bag temperature will always higher than room temperature reason – fungus   are alive and growing actively. You need to purchase thermometers to measure the temperature of spawn bags. One can easily purchase thermometers starting from Rs 60 to 150 You should measure temperature at least eight to ten times in 24 hours. If one room is consist of 800 bags no need to check the temperature of all eight hundred bags. One can check randomly; a standard check is required.

One thing you might be wondering that why we have to shut the room completely even not a small window is allowed to remain open. It is because when mycelium grows then mushroom intakes carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, the more carbon dioxide presents in room fungus will grow more.

4. Fruiting Stage – 

In this stage mushroom will intake oxygen and release carbon dioxide. While this you have to make some changes. Fresh air is required but don’t use cooler and fan only you need to open the windows and let the fresh air comes in. It will decrease the temperature of room and mushroom.

The temperature should be 20- 23 degree Celsius for room and 20 – 25 degree for bags. There should be relative humidity in room means the air inside the room should contain moisture so that mushroom would not dry and it can take intake water too.

Imagine what will happen if carbon dioxide increases in the room will it effect the quality of mushroom I would say it will not effect the quality perhaps will change the presentation of the mushroom means sometime the umbrella turns upside down and sometime the stem of the mushroom will grow longer and shade will remain lesser, you might have seen these types in market. Sometime it causes a loss to sellers because they usually shorten the stem to present it in better way.  

To get rid of this problem installation of exhaust fan is necessary. Please pay attention while installing exhaust fans because usually you have seen exhaust on roof or might be somewhere middle (near by window) of the room but in this case scenario is totally opposite. 

Exhaust must be at the height of 4-5 inches from the floor. 

How to give air to mushrooms in correct way :

It can be divided in hours: Let me make it more easy –

Step by Step

1. In first hour open the windows to allow fresh air and open the exhaust fan too.

2. In secound hour open window only close the exhaust fan. 

3. In third hour close both window and exhaust.

4. In fourth hour open window for fresh air.

5. In fifth hour open window. 

6. Close both window and exhaust fan.

7. Fresh air required so open window again.

8. In eighth hour you should open both, window and exhaust.

You can slightly change it according to the room area and temperature.

 

So this complete process will take at least 45 days to grow mushroom. 

After 14-15  days time spent by mushrooms in room when you will start spraying water on 16th day you will find they are growing in bunches but not at the same time they will keep growing till 20-25 days

Note – You can use all the straw as fertilizer after performing mushroom cultivation. It can be used for milky mushrooms as fertilizer and tomato and other vegetables can easily grow in better and vital quantity. 

Oyster mushroom cultivation FAQ

To start mushroom farming in India you should join mushroom farming training to understand the cost and profit in mushroom farming along with mushroom caring methods. You can follow mushroom cultivation training books as well and for enhance knowledge you need to follow the below steps carefully

Oyster mushroom is commonly known as “Dhingri” in India.Oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest exotic mushrooms to grow and can produce a good profit in a small place. One can perform oyster mushroom cultivation with two methods 1. layer Spawning 2. Mix Spawning, you can choose any one of them. For oyster mushroom cultivation you need to follow few steps  1. Chemical Sterilization 2. Spawning 3. Mycelium Run 4. Fruiting.

All these four steps are deeply explained above. Mushroom will take around 45 days to grow completely. You need to take more care while growing mushroom in summers as it naturally grows in winters. You have to arrange a cold room if you are doing the cultivation in warm region. Mushroom cultivation demands more care so temperature plays a key role so think twice while starting this cultivation in summers specially in warm region.   

2. How many types of oyster mushroom are available

Different types of oyster mushrooms

• Pearl Oyster – Pleurotus ostreatus
• Blue Oyster – Pleurotus ostreatus var columbinus
• Golden Oyster – Pleurotus citrinopileatus
• Pink Oyster – Pleurotus salmoneo stramineus
• Phoenix Oyster – Pleurotus pulmonarius
• King Oyster – Pleurotus eryngii

3. What do oyster mushroom taste like 

Pearl oyster mushrooms have slightly sweet and woodsy taste they are more light and soft or we can say more mild and tender than few other mushrooms.

Oyster mushroom contains lovastatin a form of cholesterol lowering statin.

4. How to identify oyster mushrooms 

• They usually looks white to light slivery brown.
• Oyster shaped cap, so it is called oyster mushroom. Usually 2-10 inches. 
• Generally grow in a shelf like formation with overlapping cap.
• There tops are completely smooth. 

5. What is Pleurotus

Pleurotus is a genus of gilled mushrooms which includes one of the most widely eaten mushrooms, P. ostreatus. Species of Pleurotus may be called oyster, abalone, or tree mushrooms, and are some of the most common mushrooms used for cultivation. Pleurotus fungi is being used in mycoremediation of pollutants such as petroleum and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

6. How to cook oyster mushroom in olive oil

• Trim the oyster mushrooms. 
• Wash and cut the tip of the large, central stem that connects the oyster mushroom.
• Heat the olive oil in pan then spread the mushrooms in single layer in the pan.
• Cook them for 4-5 minutes until they start to brown. 
• Stir the oyster mushrooms and sprinkle them with salt. 
• Stir the mushrooms and cook for another 3-5 minutes until browned all over. 
• Add butter, garlic and reduce the heat to low.  

7. What are the easiest way to grow mushrooms

Here are some easiest way to grow mushrooms 

1. Mushroom growing kit.
2. Mushroom Rafts.
3. Grow in bags – indoor.
4. Mushroom beds – outdoor.
5. In the garden. 
6. In the room.

8. What is the easiest mushrooms to grow

Oyster mushrooms are the easiest mushroom to grow. One can grow oyster mushroom on coffee grounds and even on toilet paper. To get oyster mushroom cultivation pdf you just need to comment in the box “yes I want oyster mushroom cultivation pdf” and you will get pdf in no time.

While talking about oyster mushroom growing problems you need to take care of temperature, spraying water in initial days fertilizer arrangement, guidance is necessary in mushroom cultivation you need to check room temperature and mushroom temperature several times in a day. Good knowledge of chemical sterilization and mushroom spawn is necessary. Please go through the 3rd point of above section mycelium run where temperature required for growing oyster mushroom is discussed in detail.

9. Can you grow oyster mushroom for profit

Starting your own business growing oyster mushroom for profit is quite easy. It takes around 45 days to get ready for market. You need to follow only four steps – 1. Chemical Sterilization 2. Spawning 3. Mycelium Run 4. Fruiting. 

10. How to start a mushroom farming business

One can start mushroom farming business from very small space, you only need a small single room of 10 by 10 but first make sure of by checking these steps

1. Choose a type of variety for mushroom farming.  (Oyster most easy and effective)
2. Environment for mushroom farming.
3. Get spawn for mushroom farming.
4. Prepare substrate for mushroom cultivation.
5. Bags, boxes, tray for mushroom farming.
6. Fruiting in mushroom farming.
7. Harvesting and storage.
8. Fix the pricing and estimate. 
9. Name your business.
10. Register, license and permit.
11. Where to sell mushrooms. 

You need to have a good survey first and make sure to gain good knowledge of the above mentioned terms and then start your business. 

Apart from mushroom one more sustainable crop called geranium is gaining popularity and farmers are eagerly comparing Mentha vs Geranium. Geranium plant farming is also becoming a profitable business and geranium farming profit is producing much more satisfactory results in the field of agriculture production it is also supportive in organic agriculture field. Also read about kafal fruit tree.

Well explained video about oyster mushroom cultivation-

by Mushroom Lady- Divya Rawat

Mushrooms farming in Uttarakhand is becoming a trend and we need to give some credit to mushroom girl divya rawat as well. Earlier it was a mystery when people asked how to grow oyster mushroom in Uttarakhand but now day by day it is becoming a trend. Now take a look of button mushroom growing process. Before growing button mushroom you should be aware of the problems you might face while cultivation.

Problems in button mushroom farming

Remember button mushroom farming is not easy as oyster mushroom farming you have to take extra care and extra efforts to grow button mushrooms the biggest challenge in button mushroom is mortality rate of these mushrooms so extra care is needed in comparison of oyster mushroom where mortality rate is lower then button mushrooms.

Mushroom training centre in Uttarakhand

It is recommended to take mushroom farming training in Uttarakhand before starting the cultivation of mushroom. If you have decided to start mushroom farming in dehradun then you should be aware of mushroom market in dehradun that is near by vegetable mandi you should join mushroom training centre in Uttarakhand and the mushroom training centre is located in Dunda and Udalka in Uttarakhand. Divya rawat is not only the brand ambassador of mushroom but also provides the training of mushroom cultivation in chamoli garhwal and some time in dehradun as well.

How to grow Button Mushroom 

To grow any mushroom you need to perform first step by preparing compost and it should be done in open space. It is better to prepare compost yard on clean concrete floor. It should have such shape where water should not stand after composting put cover to protect from rain water. Natural and synthetic are the two types of compost that are used in button mushroom cultivation.

Synthetic compost for mushroom farming – Calcium ammonium, ammonium sulphate and gypsum, bran, urea, wheat straw. Before blending all the ingredients like urea, bran, gypsum, calcium nitrate you need to cut the straw 8-20 cm in length then spread it on the composting yard and try to form a thin layer.

Natural compost for mushroom cultivation – Ingredients required cow dung or horse dung, poultry manure, wheat straw and gypsum. You should chose one between cow dung or horse dung. animal dung should not be exposed to rain water specially horse dung. First mix the ingredients then spread on the composting yard. Later fill the composting in the trays.

After this process spawning, casing, cropping, harvesting is done. In casing soil is made by mixing rotten cow dung. After 15-20 days of casing you can notice the tiny heads of the crop and small size button of white colour start developing within 5-6 days of this stage and later mushrooms are harvested when grown completely.

Mushroom farming helpful to stop hill migration

Mushroom is another crop that may help to stop Uttarakhand hill migration. It is a cold climate crop suitable in hill regions and villages of Uttarakhand.

What to grow in hill farms and how to protect it from animals like monkey, goat etc. This is the biggest problem in Uttarakhand due to which the migration problem has started

In my earlier posts I have suggested two cultivars that may help to stop the Uttarakhand migration problem 1. Kandali plant/stinging nettle cultivation 2.Hemp cultivation and now I am suggesting one more important crop mushroom. It grows in all seasons especially the Uttarakhand climate suits it very much.

It takes only 45 days to grow and sell to market. it can be grown at home as well so the problem to save the crop from animals ends here.  

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