PASIGHAT :  The Mushroom Development Centre (MDC), Pasighat, under the Department of Horticulture, East Siang district, conducted a series of training programmes from July 27 to August 6 under the Arunachal Pradesh Mushroom Development Mission (APMDM), Budget Estimate (BE) 2025-26, to promote mushroom cultivation and strengthen rural livelihoods.

A total of five training programmes were organised across different circles and subdivisions of the district, benefiting 200 participants.

The training focused on oyster mushroom cultivation, highlighting its low production cost, ease of cultivation, strong market demand and potential as a sustainable source of income.

The programmes were attended by Bogong-I Zilla Parishad Member Olom Moyong, Bogong-II Zilla Parishad Member Ainam Saroh, Monggu Banggo-I Zilla Parishad Member Bapiyang Tayeng, Bosing-I Zilla Parishad Member Toni Siram and Bilat-I Gram Panchayat Chairperson Aseng Nonang as chief guests in their respective constituencies.

East Siang District Horticulture Officer Oyin Tayeng, Horticulture Development Officer Oyi Modi, Horticulture Marketing Officer Bini Tagom and Mushroom Development Centre In-charge Horticulture Development Officer Nuka Dai were also present.

Associate Professor Dr N Surmina Devi of the Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Pasighat, served as the resource person and conducted technical sessions on scientific mushroom cultivation.

The training included hands-on practical sessions, demonstration-based learning and the distribution of mushroom grow kits to enable participants to begin cultivation at the household level. Participation certificates were also presented to all trainees.

According to the department, the programme enhanced the technical knowledge and practical skills of the beneficiaries while creating awareness about the economic potential of oyster mushroom cultivation. The distribution of grow kits is expected to encourage self-employment and sustainable livelihood generation among rural households.

The department said the initiative has further strengthened mushroom cultivation as a viable livelihood option under APMDM, BE 2025-26, in line with the state government’s efforts to promote low-investment and sustainable agricultural practices in East Siang district. (DIPR)