The cultivation of oyster mushrooms has found new fervour in the state after increased demand. In fact, production of the fungus variety increased from approximately 260 tonnes in 2021 to 320 tonnes in 2023 — a rise of almost 23 per cent. In all, the state produced about 410 tonnes of oyster, milky and button mushrooms last year.
The climatic conditions in Bengaluru and its environs are conducive for cultivating oyster mushrooms, explains Kavya, who grows white oyster mushrooms on 100 sqft of her balcony area in K R Puram. "I am able to produce 5 kg a day just from my balcony area in K R Puram. "I am able to produce 5 kg a day just from my balcony while my 3,000 sqm farm in Hoskote yields 20 kg a day," she says.
Over the past five years, she has noticed a marked increase in interest in oyster mushroom cultivation due to rising demand in the city. Udupi and Bengaluru were the highest producers of oyster mushrooms in the state at 80 tonnes and 47 tonnes respectively — accounting for 40 per cent of the total production in 2023-24.
Rising awareness of health, wellness and nutritional benefits of mushroom consumption is driving this wave, explains K B Dundi, additional director the Department of horticulture. "People are focused on eating healthy and are looking for nutrition in vegetables and mushrooms," he adds.
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