Shillong, May 30: The Department of Agriculture, Meghalaya officially launched the Meghalaya Mushroom Mission at a function held today at the Conference Hall, Main Secretariat building. The function was chaired by Shri. K.N.Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya.
Smt. Sber Majaw an octogenarian farmer of 95 years old from Law -Sohtun village was the Chief Guest during the function and she also released the Meghalaya Mushroom Mission document. The function also witnessed the presence of Colonel. Ranjit Singh, Authorized Representative of Yats Corporation Company Ltd., Japan, Representatives from the Hills Farmers’ Union and key department officials.
The Meghalaya Mushroom Mission is a five year mission with a budget of 62.37 crores out of which rupees four crores is earmarked for production and cultivation of Shiitake mushroom. The main objectives of the mission is to scale up mushroom production and productivity in the State from the current year production figure of 27 Metric tonnes per annum to 5000 Metric tonnes at the end of five years.
The mission is expected to cover 1000 mushroom farmers and entrepreneurs through a cluster based approach. The mission will focus mainly on production of Oyster Mushroom, Button Mushroom and Shiitake Mushroom in the 7 districts comprising villages of East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, South West Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills and West Garo Hills.
The function also witnessed the signing of a tripartite MOU between the Department of Agriculture, Meghalaya represented by Smt.M.N.Nampui, Secretary Agriculture, Yats Corporation Company Ltd. Japan represented by Col. Ranjit Singh and Hills Farmers’ Union, represented by General Secretary, Shri Allfondbirth Kharsyntiew.
Yats Corporation Company Ltd, Japan is a leading global producer of organic Shiitake mushrooms, will provide technical assistance and technology transfer relating to promotion, expansion of mushroom cultivation; capacity building, training and entrepreneurship development; marketing and buy back arrangement; value addition and processing.
