Milky Mushroom Cultivation Training at AIT Tumakuru

AIT Tumakuru Organizes Two-Day Hands-on Training on Milky Mushroom Cultivation and Value Addition

Tumakuru | 31 October – 1 November 2026

Akshaya Institute of Technology (AIT), Tumakuru, successfully organized a Two-Day Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Training Programme on “Milky Mushroom (Calocybe indica) Cultivation and Value Addition” on 31 October and 1 November 2026. The programme was organized by the Department of Agricultural Engineering for final-year B.E. Agricultural Engineering students in association with Mother Enterprises, Tumakuru.

Training Programme

The initiative aimed to provide students with practical knowledge and technical skills in milky mushroom cultivation, post-harvest management, value addition, and agri-based entrepreneurship. By combining theoretical concepts with hands-on demonstrations, the training introduced students to the commercial potential of mushroom farming as a sustainable and employment-oriented agricultural enterprise.

Hands-on Training in Scientific Milky Mushroom Cultivation

The two-day programme featured practical demonstrations covering the essential stages of scientific milky mushroom production. Students gained hands-on exposure to various cultivation techniques and the environmental conditions required for successful mushroom growth.

The major topics covered during the training included:

• Substrate preparation and pasteurization

• Mushroom spawning and incubation

• Crop management and cultivation practices

• Humidity and temperature regulation

• Ventilation and environmental management

• Mushroom harvesting and hygienic handling

Students also observed mushroom cultivation structures, growing bags, substrate colonization, fruiting, and the development of marketable mushroom sporophores.

Special emphasis was placed on maintaining proper hygiene, moisture levels, aeration, and suitable environmental conditions throughout the cultivation process.

Agricultural Waste Utilization and Mushroom Value Addition

An important aspect of the training was the utilization of suitable agricultural residues as substrates for mushroom cultivation. The demonstrations highlighted how locally available agricultural biomass and by-products can be utilized to produce valuable biological products.

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The programme also introduced students to the importance of post-harvest management, hygienic harvesting, quality maintenance, packaging, and value addition. These practices play a crucial role in improving product quality, enhancing marketability, and reducing post-harvest losses.

The sessions demonstrated the connection between agricultural engineering principles and modern mushroom production, particularly in process management, resource utilization, environmental control, and post-harvest technologies.

Promoting Agri-Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment Opportunities

Milky mushroom cultivation offers promising opportunities for small-scale agribusiness development. With suitable infrastructure and scientific cultivation practices, mushroom farming can become a viable entrepreneurial activity while supporting the productive utilization of agricultural residues.

The training encouraged students to explore various business opportunities associated with mushroom cultivation, including fresh mushroom production, marketing, processed mushroom products, and food-based value addition.

By understanding the technical and commercial aspects of mushroom farming, students were encouraged to consider innovative, resource-efficient, and technology-driven agricultural enterprises that can create self-employment opportunities for agricultural engineering graduates.

Expert Guidance from Mother Enterprises, Tumakuru

The training programme was conducted in association with Mr. Prajwal K., B.Sc. (Agriculture), Proprietor of Mother Enterprises, Tumakuru, and Milky Mushroom Trainer and Consultant.

His technical expertise, practical demonstrations, and valuable guidance provided students with insights into the scientific and operational aspects of milky mushroom cultivation. His sessions also highlighted the entrepreneurial possibilities and practical considerations involved in establishing a mushroom cultivation unit.

Certificate Distribution and Programme Conclusion

The two-day skill development programme concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participating students in recognition of their involvement and participation in the training initiative.

The Department of Agricultural Engineering, Akshaya Institute of Technology, expressed its sincere gratitude to Mr. Prajwal K. and Mother Enterprises, Tumakuru, for their collaboration and valuable contribution to experiential learning.

The department also acknowledged the support and encouragement of the institute management, Principal, faculty members, and participating students in making the programme successful.

Through such industry-oriented training initiatives, Akshaya Institute of Technology continues to strengthen practical learning, technical skill development, and entrepreneurial awareness among engineering students, preparing them to explore emerging opportunities in sustainable agriculture and agribusiness.

| Dr. Vikas L Associate Professor & Head Department of Agricultural Engineering | Akshaya Institute of Technology, Tumakuru

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