BHUTANESE DELEGATION ATTENDS A WEEK-LONG TRAINING COURSE AT PAU

Ludhiana, January 22, 2018: A week-long training course on the “Cultivation of Button Mushroom” concluded at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today. The agriculture extension officers from Chhukha, Bhutan, attended the course, held under the aegis of Directorate of Extension Education, PAU. The visiting delegation comprised members, namely Sonam Choki, Kinzang Wangchuk, Thinley Gyetts Hen and Damber Singh Mongar.

Dr Shammi Kapoor, Head, Department of Microbiology, presented an overview of mushroom cultivation in Punjab. Besides, he dwelt on casing formulation and its preparation, and controlled growing of button mushroom.

Dr Poonam Sachdev, Head, Department of Food Science and Technology, threw light on post-harvest processing of mushrooms.

The Technical Coordinator, Dr H.S. Sodhi explained about spawn preparation, growing systems and spawning techniques, and economics of button mushroom production.

Dr Shivani Sharma, a mushroom expert, delved on compost preparation, mushroom diseases and their management, and designing of low cost mushroom farm.

Earlier, Dr T.S.Riar, Coordinator of the course, welcomed the delegation. He said the adoption of subsidiary occupations like mushroom growing and beekeeping is vital to generate daily income.

Dr Rupinder Kaur, Course Coordinator, proposed the vote of thanks. The delegation was impressed by the training course and the contribution of the staff for Centre for Training In-Sevice, Extension Personnel, Farmer and Farm Women, PAU. The delegation also visited experimental areas at PAU and progressive farmer’s field at Amritsar for exposure.