Investment opportunities in Nepal in the agriculture sector -Part II

Mushroom cultivation

Many varieties of edible mushrooms are found in a wild state in the Terai lowlands, the hills and mountains of Nepal. Two rare varieties similiar to European types known as "Guchchi" and "Varsha Gumba" are found in the hills and mountains under natural conditions. Among the cultivated varieties, agaricus bisporus, pleorotus spp and volvariella are important. The temperature and humidity conditions necessary for growing agaricus bisporus (button mushroom) are very satisfactory in the hilly regions during some seasons. The pleorotus spp. (oyster mushroom) and volvariella (paddy straw mushroom) grow easily during most seasons. The Kathmandu valley has temperature, humidity and other biological factors suitable for the cultivation of these two varietiesof mushrooms throughout the year. The Plant Pathology section of the Department of Agriculture's research stations at Khumaltar (Kathmandu valley) is producing mushroom spawn. This unit has well qualified staff to undertake research, spawn production and for extension work. The potential for mushroom production on a commercial scale is good speacially with a view to marketing overseas as fresh mushroom, dried mushroom and canned mushroom.