Nalanda: Nalanda district is all set to get Bihar’s first mushroom village. The district administration has chosen Bind block for this project, which aims to modernise agriculture and improve the financial condition of farmers. Officials believe the plan will give a new identity to Nalanda and also open doors for farmers to earn more through mushroom farming.
As part of the scheme, thousands of mushroom kits will be given to farmers at very low prices. The horticulture department has announced that 18,000 button mushroom kits and 11,500 Allstar mushroom kits will be distributed this year. A button mushroom kit, which usually costs Rs 90, will be available for only Rs 9. Similarly, an Allstar kit worth Rs 75 will be sold at just Rs 7.50. To ensure more participation, the rule of having a training certificate has been removed.
Farmers in Bind will get priority, with 25% of the kits being reserved for them. Each farmer can receive between 20 and 100 kits, depending on their interest. To spread awareness, the block horticulture officer has been given the responsibility of contacting farmers directly and encouraging them to try mushroom farming. Farmers will also be sent to different states for advanced training in mushroom production so that they can learn modern techniques.
The plan is not limited to mushrooms. Under agricultural diversification, dragon fruit cultivation is also being promoted in Nalanda. Farmers in Nagarnausa, Asthawan and Nursarai blocks have already started growing the fruit, which requires less water and comes with subsidies of up to Rs 3 lakh per hectare. Pearl farming is also on the agenda, with officials preparing to identify suitable sites and farmers for this unique form of farming.
Authorities say these new projects will not only raise the income of local farmers but also create chances for new agriculture-based industries in the district. With mushroom, dragon fruit and pearl farming coming together, Nalanda could soon emerge as one of Bihar’s leading centres for modern farming.
