Nepal produces mushroom worth Rs 7 billion annually

KATHMANDU: National Mushroom Day, celebrated on the 15th of Nepali month of Poush (mid-December to mid-January), is being observed across the country.

This year, the ministry and the Mushroom Producers Association have jointly organized a mushroom fair and exhibition at Bhrikuti Mandap pavilion to mark the day.

According to Santosh Karki, president of the association, the fair features 42 stalls showcasing mushroom-related products and innovations. Despite the growing demand for mushrooms, Karki criticized the government for lacking concrete plans to boost production.

Commercial mushroom farming is currently done in 47 districts.

Nepal’s domestic mushroom production meets only half of the national demand. Around 35,000 farmers are involved in mushroom cultivation, producing varieties such as button, oyster, king oyster, and shiitake mushrooms. The daily demand for mushrooms is approximately 140,000 kilograms. However, only 60,000-70,000 kilograms of mushrooms are being produced daily. Oyster mushroom is the most popular variety among local farmers as Nepal produces around 50,000 kg of oyster mushrooms every day. Similarly, daily production of button, king oyster, and other varieties stands at 10,000 kg, 1,400 kg, and 10,000 kg respectively.

Nepal produces mushrooms worth around Rs 6-7 billion annually. Winter is the best season for mushroom production, according to farmers. Daily production during the season stands as high as 90,000 kg. According to the association, Nepal is self-sufficient in button mushrooms.

On the global front, demand for mushrooms continues to grow. Dr. Matina Joshi Vaidya, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing mushroom production. “Mushrooms are highly nutritious and a vital food source. To achieve self-sufficiency, we need to boost production and encourage more farmers to engage in mushroom farming,” she said.

Karki said Nepal cannot become self-sufficient in mushroom farming without government support. “With targeted programs, we can reduce imports and even become a net exporter in the near future,” he added.

Nepali farmers also grow exotic varieties like milky mushroom, red mushroom, and yellow mushroom for export purposes.

According to the ministry, commercial mushroom farming began in the 1970s in Balambu of Kathmandu, Chapagaun of Lalitpur, and Dadhikot of Bhaktapur.