The ICAR-Research Complex for North-Eastern Hills Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat and AICRP on Mushroom, Manipur Centre organized the “Kisan Diwas” cum “National Mushroom Day-2025” on the theme “Mushroom as Functional Food” in collaboration with AICRP on Seed (Crops), ICAR-KVKs (Churachandpur, Imphal West, Ukhrul, Chandel, and Tamenlong), TSP, Agri-Business Incubation, Manipur Centre.
        In delivering the welcome and key note address, Dr. A. Ratankumar Singh, Senior Scientist and PI-AICRP on Mushroom, ICAR Manipur Centre highlighted the centre’s contributions to the research and development as well as extension activities of the Mushroom in the state. He signified mushrooms as functional foods for providing a wide range of health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

        The Chief Guest, Shri K. Debadatta Sharma, Director of the Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur, emphasized increasing mushroom cultivation and production at today's function. He highlighted the multiple health benefits of mushrooms, the adoption of technology for year-round production using suitable strains, employment generation, and suitability for agro-waste management in the North-Eastern Region, with special reference to Manipur State. Guests also appreciated the ICAR Manipur Centre's pivotal role in disseminating mushroom cultivation technology across the state.
        The Guest of Honour, Dr. Ng. Iboyaima Singh, Dean of the College of Food Technology, Lamphelpat, highlighted the vital role and scope of food processing and value-added products in societal development. He emphasized that mushrooms are a "superfood," rich in proteins, essential amino acids while remaining low in fat. He highlighted their medicinal potential in preventing diseases such as cancer and supporting immune health.

        Dr. Sinam Subharani, Head of the Regional Sericulture Research Station (RSRS) in Imphal and Guest of Honour, highlighted the critical importance of silk production in enhancing livelihoods and promoting economic empowerment. She also pointed out the important role of oak tree in silk production and shiitake mushroom cultivation.
        Dr. Ch. Basudha Devi, Head of the Regional Centre, ICAR Manipur Centre urged farmers to diversify their crops through mushroom cultivation and allied sectors such as poultry and fisheries to enhance subsistence income and nutritional security. In her speech, she also called for greater involvement of youth in mushroom production in the state.
        The different mushrooms species like Oyster (Pleurotus spp), Elm (Hypsizygus ulmarius), Split gill mushroom (Schizophyllum commune) Shiitake (Lentinula edodes), Button mushroom (Agaricus biosporus) and King Oyster (Pleurotus eryngii), Enoki (Flammulina filiformis), mushrooms were exhibited by the growers during the exhibition. Many value-added products of mushroom also exhibited pickle, mushroom chips, noodles, shiitake tea, dried mushroom, pakoda
        A total of the 38 stalls including 16 mushroom growers, 10 food processed product entrepreneurs, 8 SHGs (vegetable growers), 2 Fish progressive farmers, 2 AICRP on Mushroom and Seed (crops) from the valley and hill districts of Manipur exhibited their products, technologies and innovation during the exhibition. A total 375 farmers, entrepreneurs, Mushroom growers, and buyers from all over the state participated in the event.