Madkai, Goa: Students of the Goa College of Agriculture, Ela Farm, Old Goa, conducted a hands-on demonstration on oyster mushroom cultivation at Madkai under the Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) Programme.
The practical session was organised for farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and students with the objective of creating awareness about oyster mushroom cultivation and its potential as an additional agricultural and livelihood activity.
The six-member student team comprising Valene De Souza, Sancia Fernandes, Sakshi Patil, Milrine Carvalho, Yadhnesha Gaonkar and Bhumika Mandrekar guided participants through the various stages of mushroom production.
The demonstration began with an overview of the nutritional importance of oyster mushrooms, followed by an explanation of the materials required for cultivation. Participants were also introduced to essential practices such as room sterilisation and substrate preparation.
The students demonstrated the cultivation process step by step, giving participants practical knowledge about maintaining suitable conditions for mushroom growth. The session also covered harvesting techniques, pest and disease management, packaging, marketing and shelf life.
The practical nature of the programme enabled farmers and SHG members to understand how oyster mushroom cultivation can be undertaken with appropriate techniques and management practices.
The demonstration was guided by Dr. Pankaj Mapari, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, who provided technical and practical guidance throughout the session.
Such field-based initiatives under the RAWE Programme provide agriculture students with valuable practical exposure while allowing them to share scientific farming techniques directly with rural communities.
The Madkai demonstration highlighted the potential of oyster mushroom cultivation as a knowledge-driven agricultural activity and encouraged participants to explore opportunities in production, value addition and marketing.
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