Mushroom cultivation
Cultivation of edible mushroom is one of the cheapest
and economically viable processes for the bioconversion of lingo-cellulosic
residues. Mushrooms have capacity to convert nutritionally less valued
substances like paddy straw in to valuable and nutritious human food and animal
feed. Various studies recommend the use of paddy straw for cultivation of
different types of mushrooms viz. button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.) and paddy-straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea, V.
diplasia) in India.
Rice straw is most
easily available after harvesting of rice crop in the months of late October to
late November. Rice straw mushrooms, Volvariella
volvacea, are considered to be one of the easiest mushrooms to cultivate
because of their short incubation period of 14 days.