Skip to main content

Revolutionizing Fungiculture: Swami Sivakarananda’s Sustainable Mushroom Cultivation at Belur Ramakrishna Mission

 Revolutionizing Fungiculture: Swami Sivakarananda’s Sustainable Mushroom Cultivation at Belur Ramakrishna Mission

📍 Belur Math, West Bengal – February 2025

In a remarkable initiative blending spiritual wisdom with agricultural innovation, Swami Sivakarananda of Belur Ramakrishna Mission has pioneered a seasonal mushroom cultivation project, promoting sustainability and empowering farmers and students with hands-on training.

🌱 The Three-Season Mushroom Cultivation

Understanding the varying climatic conditions of West Bengal, Swami Sivakarananda has introduced a three-season cultivation model, focusing on:

1️⃣ Winter (December – February): Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.)

  • Thriving in cooler temperatures (15-20°C), oyster mushrooms are cultivated using paddy straw and sawdust.
  • High in protein and antioxidants, they provide a nutritious and profitable option for small-scale farmers.

2️⃣ Summer (March – June): Milky Mushrooms (Calocybe indica)

  • Adapted to warmer climates (25-35°C), milky mushrooms are grown on a controlled substrate of paddy straw and wheat bran.
  • Ideal for open-field and semi-controlled environments, making them accessible to local farmers.

3️⃣ Monsoon (July – October): Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinula edodes)

  • Cultivated in controlled humidity conditions, shiitake mushrooms require specialized training due to their unique growing needs.
  • High demand in both domestic and international markets makes them a lucrative crop.

🎓 Empowering Farmers and Students Through Training

Swami Sivakarananda, in collaboration with agricultural experts, has launched free training sessions at Belur Math’s demonstration farm, where:

✅ Local farmers learn low-cost, sustainable mushroom cultivation techniques to boost their income.
✅ Students from agricultural institutions get practical exposure to modern fungiculture.
✅ Workshops cover topics like spawn production, pest management, and post-harvest handling.

🌾 Impact on the Farming Community

This initiative has directly benefited over 300 farmers and students in the past year, with many successfully adopting mushroom cultivation as an additional income source. With minimal land requirements and high profitability, this project aligns with Ramakrishna Mission’s ethos of self-reliance and rural development.

🌟 Future Prospects

Swami Sivakarananda envisions expanding this model to other Ramakrishna Mission centers, integrating organic farming and market linkages for a sustainable agricultural ecosystem. Plans are also in place for an online training module to reach a broader audience.

With scientific techniques, traditional wisdom, and social service, this initiative marks a new chapter in eco-friendly agriculture and self-sufficiency.

💡 "True service is in empowering people with knowledge." – Swami Sivakarananda


shivakarananda ji maharaj


🔗 For more information, visit Ramakrishna Mission Website

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

TRADITION IN TRANSITION: The Birhor Cultural Landscape

  TRADITION IN TRANSITION: The Birhor Cultural Landscape                                                         Abstract   This paper presents findings from a two-day ethnographic field visit (May 16–17, 2025) to the Birhor settlements in Kalapatthar and Budhuchak villages, near Giridih district, Jharkhand. The Birhor, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), are undergoing rapid cultural and socioeconomic transitions. Our direct observations, interviews, and informal surveys reveal a community struggling between preserving traditional knowledge—like rope-making and forest-based subsistence—and navigating state-led welfare programs. While some government interventions (housing, LPG distribution, health camps) have reached the ar...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Birth of 'Sanin' – A New Hybrid Hibiscus Variety

  The Birth of 'Sanin' – A New Hybrid Hibiscus Variety Flowers have always been a source of joy, inspiration, and scientific curiosity. Among them, the hibiscus (Jaba) flower stands out due to its vibrant colors and varied species. Today, I am thrilled to share the story of a groundbreaking new hybrid variety, Sanin , a result of dedicated research and experimentation. Genesis of Sanin The journey of Sanin began with the fusion of two distinct hibiscus varieties— Puna Variety and Thai Variety . Through a carefully controlled process of pollination (পরাগ সংযোগ) , viable seeds were produced. These seeds were then subjected to a specialized germination (অঙ্কুরোদগম) process, ensuring the birth of a unique plant with new genetic traits. Over the course of 8 to 10 months , this plant progressed through various growth stages, showcasing promising characteristics. Finally, on October 22, 2024 , the first bloom of Sanin graced us with its mesmerizing beauty, marking a significant mi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Pulses and Cotton Production Programs: Transforming Indian Agriculture

  Pulses and Cotton Production Programs: Transforming Indian Agriculture Introduction India, one of the largest producers and consumers of pulses and cotton, has recently launched long-term production programs to boost domestic output. These initiatives aim to enhance self-sufficiency, reduce import dependence, and strengthen the agricultural economy. In this article, we explore the objectives, strategies, and expected impact of these ambitious programs. Government’s Focus on Pulses Production Pulses are a crucial component of India's agricultural sector and a staple protein source for millions. However, the country has been relying heavily on imports to meet the growing demand. In response, the Indian government has introduced a six-year pulses production program to: Enhance Yield : Implement modern farming techniques, high-yield seed varieties, and better irrigation systems. Reduce Import Dependence : Minimize reliance on imports from Canada, Myanmar, and Russia. Improve ...
Post a Comment
Read more