Despite being a powerhouse of nutrition, mushrooms remain largely under-consumed in India. Experts reveal a striking disparity: while countries like China boast a per capita annual consumption of 15-20 kg, the US around 10 kg, and Europe 8-10 kg, India lags significantly with a mere 100 grams per person per year. This highlights an enormous untapped potential for growth in both production and dietary integration.
To bridge this gap and energize the mushroom sector, the University of Agricultural Sciences-Bengaluru (UAS-B) is taking a pivotal step. In collaboration with Mushroom Exchange and other key partners, UAS-B will host the India Mushroom Summit 2025 in Bengaluru from November 3 to 7. This landmark event is designed to propel India towards greater mushroom cultivation and consumption.
Global Expertise Gathers
Anurag Saxena, founder director of Milkiway, a co-organizer, announced that the summit will attract a diverse group of experts and entrepreneurs from 11 nations, including the Netherlands, Poland, Italy, Nepal, and Bhutan. Their collective aim is to significantly increase mushroom consumption through advanced cultivation techniques and knowledge sharing. The summit’s agenda is packed, featuring a two-day conference and exhibition on November 3-4, followed by an intensive three-day training session on mushroom cultivation from November 5-7.
The summit is strategically designed to fortify the entire mushroom value chain, connecting growers, suppliers, investors, and markets. It also champions innovation and research through robust collaborations. Dr. S. V. Suresha, Vice-Chancellor of UAS-B, emphasized the critical role of increased mushroom consumption in achieving national nutritional security. He articulated the university’s dual mission: not only to empower farmers with the skills to turn mushroom cultivation into a profitable venture but also to elevate India’s mushroom exports through superior quality production. ‘We envision educated farmers transforming into successful entrepreneurs, leveraging digital platforms for marketing their produce. The mushroom sector holds immense promise for job creation, and we are committed to exploring every facet of this potential,’ he stated.
Pioneering Training Programs
As a precursor to the main summit, UAS-B has been running a successful five-day paid course. This comprehensive program covers every aspect of the mushroom industry, from cultivation techniques to effective marketing strategies and business planning. Over the past year, approximately 250 individuals, including doctors, engineers, and corporate professionals, have completed this course, with most successfully launching their own mushroom entrepreneurship ventures.