Manure crisis hits mushroom farming

The unavailibility of compost this season can affect mushroom cultivation in Himachal Pradesh, say farmers.

Mushroom growers in Himachal depend on the state government for compost. Mushroom is grown indoors in simulated conditions of controlled temperture and humidity.

Usually the supply takes place in early September. Officials say the supply may be delayed by at least a month.

Farmers of the lower reaches of the hill are the worst hit.

"Not supplying compost in time can only discourage us from taking up mushroom farming in the future," says Dewan Chand, a mushroom farmer in the Shimla district.

"And when compost is supplied, it usually is deficient in quantity," he said.

On the other hand, State Horticulture Department Director R P Sharma said, "The department provides compost to mushroom units on a promotional basis. We cannot meet the requirements of all growers."

"The growers need to produce compost or purchase it from private producers," Sharma said.

But farmers say they do not buy compost from private parties because they fear the quality may be poor. Growers also complain the government isn't doing enough to develop new varieties of mushroom.

"Growing the same mushroom varieties is having an adverse impact on productivity," said Kiran Thakur, a mushroom farm owner in Solan. Only recently, farmers have taken to mushroom farming in the hill state. Solan has been declared the "mushroom city of India."