Bangladesh's Mushroom Industry Set to Triple Production, Create Half a Million Jobs
Bangladesh's mushroom industry is poised for significant growth, with the potential to triple production and create jobs for up to half a million farmers. The government is supporting this expansion through price regulation, technological assistance, and training initiatives.
Mushroom cultivation in Bangladesh offers numerous advantages. The growth cycle is swift, lasting only about 40 days. It requires minimal capital and adapts well to local conditions. The National Mushroom Development Institute has successfully adapted 162 foreign strains and 140 local varieties, expanding the range of mushrooms that can be cultivated.
The government has set prices for various types of mushrooms, with fresh oyster mushrooms currently priced at Tk 200 per kilogram. This pricing strategy aims to encourage production and ensure fair returns for farmers. Over 9,000 farmers have received training in mushroom cultivation, with over 1,400 completing online courses. This training is equipping farmers with the skills needed to succeed in the mushroom industry.
Mushroom farming also offers strong environmental benefits. One kilogram of mushrooms can be produced from just one kilogram of straw, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly option. Currently, Bangladesh produces around 40,000 tonnes of mushrooms annually, worth approximately Tk 800 crore. The Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) is further boosting the industry's potential by developing new mushroom cultivars adapted to local conditions.
With proper policy support and technological advancements, Bangladesh's mushroom industry could become one of the country's fastest-growing and most sustainable agricultural sectors. By tripling production and creating jobs for half a million farmers, mushroom cultivation is emerging as a promising new frontier for Bangladesh's agricultural economy.
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