ITANAGAR, Jan 7: In a significant breakthrough for sustainable agriculture and livelihood diversification, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Anjaw has successfully conducted the first-ever trial of oyster mushroom cultivation using large cardamom substrate in the district.
This innovative initiative marks a new milestone in the effective utilization of locally available agricultural waste. The trial involved the cultivation of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sajor-caju) using residues of large cardamom, a major cash crop of the district. The experiment yielded encouraging results, with healthy mushroom growth, timely fruiting, and multiple harvests obtained from a single cultivation bag. The success clearly demonstrated that large cardamom waste can serve as a viable, low-cost and eco-friendly substrate comparable to conventional materials.
According to officials of KVK Anjaw, the initiative was undertaken to address the dual challenges of farm waste management and limited livelihood options in remote and border areas of the district. Oyster mushroom cultivation, with its short production cycle and minimal input requirements, has emerged as a promising enterprise well-suited to the local agro-climatic conditions. The successful trial has generated keen interest among farmers, particularly youth and women, as it offers quick returns, income supplementation, and improved household nutrition.
The technology has also been disseminated among some of the interested farmers through demonstrations, hands-on training programmes and extension activities to promote wider adoption.
This pioneering effort by KVK Anjaw not only strengthens sustainable farming practices but also opens new opportunities for converting agricultural by-products into profitable ventures, contributing to rural livelihoods and environmental conservation in Anjaw district.