Mushroom Production - A Better Option of Income for Landless Farmer's & Farm women in Eastern Uttar Pradesh

Mushroom have unique ability to degrade cellulose, hemi-cellulose and lignin of different agro wastes and organic wastes material and are effective means of recycling those waste materials into edible biomass of high nutritive and medicinal value. Crop residue provide little economic return to the farmers, however if used in mushroom cultivation, it can lead to integrated rural development by increasing income and self employment. Therefore, to create mushroom production a viable business option in rural environment for landless farmer?s & farm women in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, the study was planned by Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kushinagar with the objective to assess the profitability of mushroom production in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, to assess the utilization pattern of mushroom in Eastern Uttar Pradesh & to assess the perception of farmer?s about mushroom production. The result on profitability of mushroom production indicated that on an average 0.58 kg mushroom can be obtained from one kg wheat straw. By investing Rs. 3570 the net return of Rs. 4897 in just 49 days with the B:C ratio 2.3:1 may be earned from one unit. Data related to utilization pattern of mushroom presented showed a wide variation. All the respondents utilized mushroom in preparation of recipes like curry, pakora, mix vegetables, rice and pickles. Data on perception of farmer?s about mushroom production evident that respondents ranked statement, ?Mushroom production is good option for landless and poor rural youth? as rank Ist. Therefore it may be concluded that mushroom production is a better option of income for landless farmer?s and farm women and it needs the more extension strategy to encourage more and more people for mushroom production as it is good for health and a better way for earning wealth as well.