“Mushroom Spawn Production – Techniques and Emerging Opportunities”

🌱 Biowizard Club Organizes Workshop on “Mushroom Spawn Production – Techniques and Emerging Opportunities”

Date: 10 October 2025
Venue: Crystal Hall, Tapesia Campus
Organized by: Biowizard Club, Department of Botany, School of Life Sciences, Assam Don Bosco University

The Biowizard Club of the Department of Botany, Assam Don Bosco University, successfully organized a one-day workshop on “Mushroom Spawn Production: Techniques and Emerging Opportunities” on 10^th October 2025. The workshop, coordinated by Dr. Farzana Naseem and Dr. Toshinungla Ao, aimed to impart practical skills, scientific understanding, and entrepreneurial awareness in the field of mushroom biotechnology — a rapidly expanding sector in sustainable agriculture.

🌾 Inaugural Session

The workshop commenced at 9:00 a.m. with an inaugural ceremony attended by dignitaries including Fr. Zacharias George (Registrar), Dr. Raj K. Pegu (Director, School of Life Sciences), and Dr. T. Thorny Chanu (Head, Department of Botany), along with faculty members and students. In her welcome address, Dr. Chanu emphasized the growing potential of mushroom cultivation as a livelihood skill and an entrepreneurship avenue. The Registrar appreciated the department’s efforts in promoting skill-based education aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

🍄 Participation and Reach

A total of 32 participants attended the workshop, including undergraduate and postgraduate students. Notably, two participants from Bodoland University and Nirmal Haloi College joined the event, reflecting the broader academic outreach of the program.

🔬 Technical Sessions and Hands-on Training

The technical sessions, led by the coordinators, focused on key topics such as:

Introduction to Mushroom Biology: Dr. Toshinungla Ao explained the life cycle of mushrooms, nutritional value, and commercial varieties like Oyster, Button, Shiitake, and Milky mushrooms. She delivered an insightful lecture on the prospects of mushroom spawn production as a full-fledged business venture, highlighting its potential for entrepreneurship, sustainability, and income generation.
Spawn Production Techniques: Dr. Farzana Naseem detailed the process of culture selection, mother spawn preparation, and substrate transfer under sterile conditions.
Laboratory Practices: Participants were trained in aseptic techniques, sterilization, PDA media preparation, and contamination control under expert supervision of the coordinators.
Substrate Preparation and Infrastructure Setup: Learners explored substrate options like paddy straw and sawdust, and learned how to establish low-cost mushroom units using basic equipment.

The hands-on demonstration was a highlight, allowing participants to engage directly in spawn inoculation, bag preparation, and incubation. This practical exposure enhanced their technical confidence and understanding of laboratory precision.

💬 Interactive Discussion

An interactive Q&A session followed, where participants discussed issues like contamination control and commercialization of spawn production. Experts also highlighted opportunities under the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) for further training and entrepreneurship support.

🎓 Valedictory Session

The workshop concluded with a valedictory ceremony in the afternoon. Participants shared positive feedback, particularly appreciating the practical exposure and well-structured content. Certificates were distributed, followed by a vote of thanks and a group photograph session that captured the spirit of collaboration and learning.

🌿 Key Takeaway

The event proved to be an inspiring and skill-enriching platform, effectively combining theoretical insights with practical training. It fostered awareness of sustainable agriculture, biotechnology-based entrepreneurship, and self-reliance — echoing the university’s mission to promote innovation and experiential learning.