Research Projects

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is a high value culinary medicinal mushroom, a specialty mushroom of NER India. Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is one of the finest meaty-tasting mushrooms known. Present proposal aims to deploy the agripreneural potential of shiitake and maitake mushroom by developing mushroom agripreneurs and labelling of indigenous shiitake germplasm for targeted marketing of fresh and value-added products. In order to exploit the bioresource diversity of shiitake germplasm of NER and suitable short duration cultivation technologies developed by ICAR Manipur Centre and favourable climatic conditions of Manipur, present proposal target to develop shiitake mushroom based agripreneurs (tribal farmers, rural youth and weaker sections of society like SC and ST farmers). Our aim is to standardize the low cost production technology of Maitake mushrooms of North East India and transfer the technologies to the farming community so that it provides gainful employment to rural youth.

Thirteen shiitake strains were evaluated for proximate composition, mineral content, and bioactive constituents including total phenols and flavonoids using standard analytical protocols. The study revealed considerable variation among strains in terms of protein, carbohydrate, mineral elements, and antioxidant-related compounds. Multivariate analysis through Principal Component Analysis effectively differentiated the strains based on nutritional richness and bioactive potential, enabling the identification of strains with superior nutraceutical attributes suitable for targeted utilization and future improvement programmes. In addition to laboratory investigations, the project placed strong emphasison entrepreneurship development and skill enhancement. Multiple sensitization and hands-on training programmes were conducted on mushroom culture maintenance, spawn and mother culture preparation, and scientific cultivation of shiitake and other edible mushrooms. These programmes targeted farmers, students, and aspiring entrepreneurs, including participants from high-altitude and tribal regions of Manipur. The training activities enhanced technical knowledge, encouraged adoption of scientific mushroom production practices, and promoted mushroom-based livelihood opportunities. Overall, the project successfully integrated scientific evaluation with field-level capacity building, contributing to the advancement of mushroom nutraceutical research and supporting sustainable income generation through mushroom entrepreneurship.