Bhubaneswar: The Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (APICOL) organized the Mushroom Conclave 2026 today at The Crown to promote mushroom cultivation as a sustainable and profitable livelihood. Functioning under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DA&FE), the event focused on advancing the sector through improved production techniques, post-harvest management, and stronger market linkages.
Speaking at the Mushroom Conclave 2026, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo emphasized Odisha’s emerging dominance in the national agricultural landscape, noting that the state now contributes 11 percent of India’s total mushroom production. He described mushrooms as a vital superfood for the future, citing their high nutrient density and low cholesterol as key health benefits.
The Deputy Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the sector, highlighting that mushroom farming aligns perfectly with global shifts toward organic and sustainable agriculture. He assured farmers that the state is not only providing financial subsidies under the Mukhyamantri Krishi Udyog Yojana (MKUY) but is also building a robust logistics network to ensure their produce reaches wider markets efficiently.
Complementing these remarks, Shri Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, detailed the economic advantages of the sector. He informed the gathering that mushroom cultivation is one of the most resource-efficient agricultural activities, requiring significantly less water than traditional paddy or vegetable farming.
Secretary Shri Jadhav stressed that the short growth cycle of mushrooms allows for quick turnover and rapid profit generation, making it an ideal venture for rural entrepreneurs and youth. He underscored that the department’s roadmap is designed to transition mushroom farming from a subsistence activity into a high-value commercial enterprise through modernization and institutional support.
During the event, a new APICOL website was launched, and Go-Ahead letters were distributed to producers for establishing new spawn and production units.
The conclave featured insights from nine expert speakers and was attended by over 170 participants, including scientists from the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) and members of the Mushroom Federation.
Other notable attendees included Director of Soil Conservation and Watershed Development Shri Subrat Kumar Panda, Director of Horticulture Shri Kalunge Gorakh Waman, and Managing Director of APICOL Shri Shubhranshu Mishra.
According to data shared at the event, 1207 farmers have received approval to set up various mushroom enterprises, including processing units for paddy straw, oyster, and button mushrooms.
So far, 207 entrepreneurs have already received subsidies to start their ventures. The conclave concluded with a collective commitment to strengthening Odisha’s mushroom ecosystem and expanding income opportunities for the state’s rural farming community.