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INTRODUCTION
Mushroom gives highest profit in terms of per hectare. At present 3 mushrooms are being cultivated in India. These are: the white mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), the paddy-straw mushroom (Volvariella vovvacea) and the oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sajor-caju). Of these, A. bisporus is the most popular and economically sound to grow and is extensively cultivated throughout the world. However, due to its low temperature requirement, its cultivation is restricted to the cool climatic areas and to the winter in the plains of Northen India. In summer, the tropical paddy-straw mushroom is suitable for growing in most parts of India. Even then it is less attractive commercially owing to very low yield per unit weight of the substrate and an extremely short shelf-life. But, as a kitchen-garden crop it is preferred because it is very delicious and nutritous.
Mushrooms are a rich source of proteins and have low fat. Doctors also refer people to with tumors since mushrooms have properties which can cure them. Mushrooms, are also called ‘white vegetables’ or ‘boneless vegetarian meat’ contain ample amounts of proteins, vitamins, fibers and medicines. Mushroom contains 20-35% protein (dry weight) which is higher than those of vegetables and fruits and is of superior quality. It is considered ideal for patients of hypertension and diabetics.
Oyster mushroom can grow at moderate temperature ranging from 220 to 280C. Therefore, it is suitable for most of the places of India.
This business can be started by a person as a main business or side business. Mushrooms can be grown either in shade or in open area. The cultivation in shade gives more yield compare to the cultivation in open area. For cultivation of mushroom it requires favorable temperature to grow, if the temperature of a place is above the required range additional equipment is required to control the temperature and humidity.
In Goa there is a lot of demand