Mushrooms key to achieving nutritional security, says UAS-B VC

The green revolution helped us achieve food security, but now we need to look at nutritional security, for which mushroom cultivation is both promising and key, said S.V. Suresh, Vice-Chancellor, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore (UAS-B), in his inaugural address of the UAS-B’s first ever India Mushroom Summit - 2025, kicked off in the city on Monday.

The summit, being held in collaboration with Milkyway Technologies Limited, Dr. Kurades and Agro Products, Poland, will bring together scientists working on mushrooms from across the world. 

“Mushrooms are truly a miracle crop, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and can even be grown from agricultural waste. Mushroom farming is not only an eco-friendly and low-input activity, but it also provides high economic returns, especially for small and marginal farmers. It requires minimal land, less water, and can be practised throughout the year, making it a profitable venture even in limited spaces,” Mr. Suresh said.

Sangam Kurade, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dr. Kurades, said that even though mushroom cultivation is a promising venture, the existing market in India was very limited compared to China and other countries.

“We need to popularise this product and widen the market. Mushrooms are one of the fastest growing vegetables. There is a lot of scope for the product in a country like India with a large vegetarian consumer base,” he said. “At this Summit, we will deliberate on policies and industrial partnerships that can strengthen this sector, creating jobs, improving soil health, reducing chemical dependence, and contributing to sustainability and economic development,” he said.

Anurag Saxena, CEO, Milkyway Technologies Limited, Daniel Dajewski, CEO, Agro Products, Poland, and others were present.