‘Mushroom farming can play a significant role in national economy’
The country currently produces 40,000 tonnes of mushrooms annually, worth around Tk800 crore
The expansion and popularity of mushroom cultivation in Bangladesh can play a substantial role in growing the country's economy, said Agriculture Minister, Muhammad Abdur Razzaque.
The Minister said that imparting training on mushroom cultivation can also help turn unemployed youths into entrepreneurs, and a local and international market for mushrooms can be created.
He made the remarks at an online meeting on Tuesday, titled "Problems, Possibilities and Solutions of Mushroom Cultivation," with mushroom growers and entrepreneurs at the Ministry of Agriculture.
Saying that immediate steps would be taken to harness the potential of mushroom cultivation, the Minister said, "It is necessary to conduct research on new varieties of mushrooms based on the different regions and seasons of Bangladesh and expand their cultivation."
"We will strengthen the Mushroom Development Institute. We will strengthen the horticulture centers of the country by taking on innovative projects, enabling us to develop new varieties," he further said.
According to data obtained from the Mushroom Development Institute, the country is currently producing about 40,000 tonnes of mushrooms annually, worth around Tk800 crore.
About 1.5 lakh people have been involved in the production and marketing of mushrooms and mushroom products.