A low-cost, indoor crop has become a source of rural income, especially for women and small farmers.
According to an ICAR report, Bihar's mushroom output grew from 0.06 thousand tonnes in 2013–14 to 42.19 thousand tonnes, and its share of national production rose to 12.02%. The state has been India's largest producer since 2022.
Grown indoors on racks with straw and compost, mushrooms need little land or capital, opening income opportunities for landless households and women. India's mushroom market is projected to double to about ₹24,750 crore by 2030.
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Five model villages per district will train farmers from nine neighbouring villages each in crops and methods that cope with floods, drought and heat.
Read storyProcurement starts on 1 November in North Bihar and 15 November in the south, using AgriStack IDs and online registration.
Read storyThe area under makhana is to double to 82,000 hectares, and farm income from the crop has risen more than twelvefold since 2012–13.
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