Lucknow – Just like in the old days when people used to raise cattle and livestock at home, in modern times we can produce mushrooms at home. This method of farming, which requires little space and low cost, can not only provide protein-rich food for the family, but just as people used to sell excess milk, curd, etc., in the market for economic profit, similarly, mushroom cultivation can also increase household income. With growing urban migration, people are now living in cities, but mushroom farming can be done in a corner of your house, just like we used to raise cattle in rural homes and benefit from it.
These words were spoken by Dinesh Pratap Singh, the Horticulture Minister of the Uttar Pradesh Government. Singh was addressing the gathering at the inauguration of the ‘Mushroom Center of Excellence Lab,’ established by the Amity Food and Agriculture Foundation at Amity University Lucknow Campus, where he was addressing as the Chief Guest.
The event titled ‘Mycelium to Marketplace: The Art of Mushroom Cultivation for Learning and Earning’ also featured notable guests, including Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary of Agriculture Ravindra (IAS), Vice-Chancellor of Lucknow University Prof. (Dr.) Alok Rai, Vice-Chancellor of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology Prof. (Dr.) Anand Kumar Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan, Prof. (Dr.) Arun Kumar, Bihar’s Mushroom Man Dayaram, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Amity University Lucknow Prof. (Dr.) Anil Vashishth, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor, Retired Wing Commander Prof. (Dr.) Anil Kumar Tiwari, and Director of the Amity Food and Agriculture Foundation, Dr. Shalini Singh Vishen.
Amity University founder Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Chairman of Amity University Lucknow Campus Dr. Aseem K. Chauhan, and Vice-Chancellor of Amity University Uttar Pradesh Dr. Balvinder Shukla also addressed students and farmers online.
While addressing the audience, Chief Guest Dinesh Pratap Singh said that just as the Mushroom Excellence Center has been established at Amity University, similar centers such as Potato Excellence Center and Dragon Fruit Excellence Center could also be set up here, which would benefit not just students but also farmers of the state. He added that the government would provide all necessary support for this initiative.
He also advised the students, saying, “There are immense opportunities in the field of agriculture. Learn English at the university, but also stay connected to your farming and culture. It saddens me to see on television how homes in villages have been abandoned and people are now living in congested city apartments. Our village culture is such that there may be poverty, but no one goes hungry. We must continue to carry forward and develop that culture, farming, and agricultural traditions.”
Dr. Shalini Singh Vishen, Director of the Amity Food and Agriculture Foundation, welcomed the guests and emphasized the need and importance of the ‘Mushroom Center of Excellence Lab.’
In his welcome speech, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Anil Vashishth said that the establishment of the ‘Mushroom Center of Excellence Lab’ is a symbol of Amity University’s commitment to innovation and excellence. He told the attending farmers that the center would not only train them in mushroom cultivation but also ensure their economic prosperity.
Dr. Aseem K. Chauhan, Chairman of Amity University Lucknow Campus, congratulated everyone on the establishment of the ‘Mushroom Center of Excellence Lab’ and mentioned that there are still vast possibilities in mushroom farming. He pointed out that there is a need to explore how mushrooms can be used in fields such as pharmaceuticals, Ayurveda, and others. Dr. Chauhan also emphasized that the world needs our Indian values, which is why Amity University is expanding its campuses worldwide.
Principal Secretary of Agriculture Ravindra (IAS) said, “India has a large vegetarian population, and providing them with protein-rich food is a challenge. Mushrooms offer a solution, not only increasing protein availability in our diets but also bringing diversity. The establishment of the ‘Mushroom Center of Excellence Lab’ will be a milestone in this effort.”
Vice Chancellor of Lucknow University Prof. (Dr.) Alok Rai pointed out that agricultural policies are often made in air-conditioned rooms, which is not the right approach. He stressed the need to go to the ground level to understand the problems faced by farmers. In this regard, he highlighted the importance and significance of the ‘Mushroom Center of Excellence Lab,’ which will benefit not only farmers but also researchers, students, and teachers.
During the event, Dayaram, the Mushroom Man of Bihar, shared the intricacies of mushroom farming, and Prof. (Dr.) Arun Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan, explained the features of the ‘Mushroom Center of Excellence Lab’ project.
The inauguration ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor, retired Wing Commander Prof. (Dr.) Anil Kumar Tiwari. The event was attended by a large number of invited farmers, students, and department heads from various faculties of Amity University.
