An Analytical Study on Mushroom Production Practices in Saharanpur District of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

The present study was conducted during 2023-2024 in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, aimed to assess the knowledge and adoption level of mushroom growers regarding mushroom production practices. A total number of 62 mushroom growers were selected using the snowball sampling technique. Data was collected through face-to-face interactions by using pre-tested interview schedule. The study revealed that the majority 69.35 per cent of mushroom growers were founded in middle age group (31 to 50 years), and about 46.80 per cent belonged to the Other Backward Caste. All mushroom growers were literate, with 93.50 per cent being married and part of medium-sized family system (5 to 8 members). Additionally, 51.60 per cent mushroom growers had membership in one organization. Approximately 74.20 per cent of the mushroom growers were primarily engaged in agriculture with mushroom production as their main occupation. 93.50 per cent mushroom growers were marginal and small farmer’s categories, earning between Rs.1,00,000 to Rs.3,00,000 per annum. It was observed that majority of the mushroom growers 56.45 per cent were receiving information from KVK, 69.35 per cent of the mushroom growers were using social media. 80.65 per cent of the mushroom growers had 3 to 8 years of experience in mushroom production, and most of them were established medium-sized mushroom production units and they were producing between 25-50 quintals mushroom per year. The majority of the respondent 62.90 per cent had medium level of knowledge about mushroom production practices such as spawning, casing, harvesting and marketing of mushroom and 66.12 per cent had medium level of adoption of mushroom production practices such as casing, disease management, harvesting, storage and marketing of mushroom in the study area. The main strengths of mushroom production identified by the investigator were the high cost-benefit ratio in mushroom production. The main weakness was lack of awareness about modern packaging methods and value addition in mushroom production. Opportunities highlighted were the potential for mushroom business to provide employment to rural and urban youth. The primary threats were the susceptibility to insect-pests, diseases, and nematodes.