Bihar: India's Leading Mushroom Producing State
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Mushroom Demand | Surge in demand due to nutritional value and culinary versatility. |
| Mushroom Production in India | ~201,000 tons annually; 5th largest producer globally. Main varieties: button (75% of output), oyster, paddy straw, milky mushrooms. |
| Largest Mushroom Producing State | Bihar (28,000 tonnes in 2021-22; 10.82% of India's total production). |
| Growth in Bihar | Increased from 13th to 1st position in 3 years; produced 23,000 tonnes previous year. |
| Factors Behind Bihar's Success | - Climate: Moderate temperatures and high humidity.- Soil: Fertile alluvial soil.- Government Support: Subsidies, training, and workshops.- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Farmers adopting modern techniques. |
| Key Mushroom Varieties in Bihar | - Button Mushrooms: Most widely cultivated.- Oyster Mushrooms: Gourmet variety.- Milky Mushrooms: High nutritional value and long shelf life. |
| Economic and Social Impact | Boosted rural economy, created jobs, increased income for small-scale farmers. |
| Future Prospects | - Continued government support.- Investment in infrastructure.- Rising global demand for mushrooms.- Adoption of modern farming techniques. |