A Review on Paddy Straw Mushroom Farming: Cultivation, Opportunities and Challenges in Odisha, India

Abstract

This review examined the potential of mushroom farming, particularly paddy straw mushroom cultivation, as a sustainable and empowering agricultural practice for farmers and farm women in Odisha, India. Nationally, the total contribution of Odisha to mushroom production is 11 percent (%). Out of which, 67 % of paddy straw mushrooms, 32% of oyster mushrooms, and 1% of button mushrooms were cultivated in the state, enhancing the socio-economic benefits of this accessible farming method. The review can benefit both researchers and consumers of mushrooms, enhancing our understanding of the nutritional benefits, emphasizing the production of paddy straw mushrooms, highlighting its minimal land and capital requirements, short crop cycle, and adaptability to homestead environments. The review further explored the nutritional and economic significance of mushroom cultivation, emphasizing the growth trajectory of this sector in Odisha. Examination of the role of government policies, training programs, and market demand in fostering the participation of women in mushroom farming. The analysis underscores the transformative challenges and potential of this sustainable agricultural practice for enhancing nutrition, empowering women, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting environmentally sound food production systems in the state. This review aims to promote the cultivation of Paddy Straw Mushrooms across Odisha by understanding the nutritional benefits, opportunities, and challenges for boosting social, economic, and nutritional prospects in the state.