ICAR-IIHR conducted Mushroom open day on 20th March 2021 at Lalbagh, Bengaluru, Karnataka. The program was conducted in collaboration with Department of Horticulture, Govt. of Karnataka. The event was organized to create awareness about different types of mushrooms, their nutritional attributes and different ways to make mushrooms a part of everyday diet. ICAR-IIHR showcased mushroom related technologies developed by the institute. Mushroom value-added products like Arka mushroom rasam powder, seven variants of Arka mushroom chutney powders prepared in combination with health enhancing seeds & herbs, mushroom pulyogare powder were displayed and sold to the participants. The sensory evaluation of a new milk and mushroom based product – mushroom health drink was also conducted by the general public for its taste and acceptability. This new product was highly appreciated and accepted. Ready to fruit (RTF) bag technology was demonstrated and RTF bags were also sold to the visitors. The mobile mushroom growing chamber suitable for rural areas and solar energy driven tricycle for the sale of freshly plucked mushrooms and RTF bags was also demonstrated. The event was attended by more than 500 people. The officials of Department of Horticulture, Govt. of Karnataka also attended the mushroom open day and discussions were held on strategies to link all the mushroom technologies with SHG’s and FPOs, to make mushroom cultivation and production of mushroom value-added products as sustainable rural cottage industry. Green Apron- an enterprise started by one of the mushroom incubatee of ICAR-IIHR also participated in the event showcasing their products and becoming a source of inspiration for others. Both print (Vijay Karnataka) and television media (TV9, First News, Power news) covered the event. The event was a great success and the public and the officials of Department of Horticulture, Govt. of Karnataka, requested for conducting such event at cubbon park as well and also to make it a periodical event.
