Shiitake, the premium variety of mushrooms being grown only in a few countries such as Japan, China and South Korea, is now ready for cultivation in Indian cities, including Bangalore.
The Bangalore-based Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) has developed new strains of this mushroom suitable for cultivation in the country.
Known for their medicinal properties, especially anti-cancer use and cholesterol-reduction ability, these varieties are now available at Rs. 1,200 a kg (25 USD) in Bangalore as they are being imported. “It may cost only about Rs. 50 a kg (1 USD) if we grow them here,” says Dr. Meera Pandey, principal scientist, Mushroom Research Laboratory, IIHR.
These varieties are normally grown in a situation where the temperature is below 25 degrees Celsius. Dr. Pandey said they could be cultivated in areas in and around Bangalore without any artificial temperature control from July to January/February when the temperature is normally cool.
