Yarden Jamir | Mokokchung Times News | Khensa
With the aim of establishing Khensa Village as the mushroom hub of the district, the villagers’ long-cherished dream turned into reality today as they inaugurated the Mushroom Spawn Production Lab. Located at the Watsü Multi-Utility Centre in Khensa Village, this lab is poised to revolutionize mushroom farming in the Mokokchung district.
The inaugural program, held at the Multipurpose Community Hall, was graced by the presence of Chumlamo Humtsoe, ADC Mokokchung, as the special guest.
During the inaugural program, Dr I Amenla, retired Joint Director of the Department of Agriculture, delivered the keynote address and emphasized the long-term vision of the Mushroom Spawn Lab. She highlighted how mushroom cultivation can serve as an off-farm activity, similar to poultry and sericulture.
Dr Amenla attributed the success of the lab’s inception to the collective efforts of the entire Khensa Village, envisioning it to be on par with villages like Aliba Village or Sungratsu Village, known for their cucumbers and Anishi. She stated that Khensa Village can establish a synonymous connection between the village name and mushrooms.
In his speech, the special guest praised the Khensa Aluyimer Telok and the entire village for their historic feat in opening the Spawn Laboratory. He acknowledged the village’s high literacy rate and the contributions of officials in the agriculture and allied departments, which he said inspire him to contribute to the community. Encouraging farmers to depend on agriculture and be self-reliant, he emphasized the importance of consistent efforts to make the village a model for mushroom production.
The Mushroom Spawn Lab is a self-funded venture initiated by the Khensa Aluyimer Telok. The total expenditure for setting up the lab amounted to approximately Rs 4.90 lakhs. This lab marks the first mushroom spawn laboratory in the district and the second in Nagaland established by an individual or group of entrepreneurs. The initiative will be recognized as the Khensa Aluyimer Mushroom Enterprise, symbolizing the commitment and dedication of the Khensa Village community.
The inauguration of the Mushroom Spawn Lab signifies a significant milestone for Khensa Village, opening doors to new opportunities in mushroom farming. With the collective vision and relentless efforts of the Khensa Aluyimer Telok and the support of the community, the Mushroom Spawn Lab is poised to contribute to the growth and prosperity of Khensa Village and beyond.
Following the formal inauguration, the program transitioned into practical sessions focused on mushroom cultivation and upskilling. Led by experienced facilitators, the training aimed to equip mushroom growers with the necessary knowledge and techniques to excel in their endeavours.
Khensa Aluyimer Mushroom Enterprise (KAME)
The Mushroom Spawn Lab is the brainchild of Khensa Aluyimer Telok, a group composed of dedicated current and retired employees from the Agri and allied departments, as well as agricultural students from the village. Spearheaded by the team of 43 members, the initiative aims to experiment, conduct trials, and develop a comprehensive protocol for oyster mushroom spawn production, specifically tailored to the climatic conditions of Mokokchung district in Nagaland.
Initially, the lab will cater to the demands of mushroom seeds from farmers in Mokokchung district. However, there are plans to expand the marketing of mushroom seeds to neighbouring districts such as Zunheboto, Tuensang, and Longleng in the later stages, benefiting a wider community of farmers.
One of the primary objectives of the Mushroom Spawn Lab is to enhance the skills of farmers in value addition techniques for mushroom products, including dried mushrooms and mushroom pickles. In collaboration with the Agri and allied departments, the lab intends to provide training on oyster mushroom cultivation techniques to farmers in Mokokchung district and its neighbouring areas.
Furthermore, the establishment of the lab aims to create a sustainable enterprise for income generation, with a particular focus on empowering women farmers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). This initiative seeks to uplift the economic status of marginalized groups by offering them opportunities for self-reliance and entrepreneurship.