National Mushroom Day marked for first time

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 31: Nepal on Tuesday marked the 'National Mushroom Day' for the first time, aiming to highlight the importance of mushroom cultivation in nutrition, income generation and agricultural diversification.

The day was observed with various programmes across the country, including interactions, exhibitions and awareness campaigns involving mushroom farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers and officials from the agriculture sector. 

On the occasion, Mushroom Day and Festival was organised at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu on Tuesday by the Centre for Industrial Entomology Development and the Mushroom Producers’ Association of Nepal.

The objective of the day is to promote quality mushroom production, support food and nutrition security, increase domestic consumption, import substitution, and promote exports.

The government has officially started celebrating 'National Mushroom Day' from today (Poush 15).

The first day was celebrated today, as per the decision taken by the government on December 26, with the announcement that Poush 15 will be celebrated as National Mushroom Day every year. Delivering a message of best wishes on the occasion of the first National Mushroom Day, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Dr. Madan Prasad Pariyar has emphasised the need to increase mushroom consumption and make it the main basis for import substitution and export promotion.

The Ministry has been operating programmes for technology expansion, quality seed supply, marketing, and value chain development, prioritising the promotion of mushroom production.

The event focused on promoting mushroom production as a low-cost, high-value agricultural activity suitable for small and marginal farmers.

The mushroom sub-sector contributes 0.15 per cent to Nepal's agricultural gross domestic products (AGDP), and about 35,000 farmers are directly involved in the sector and become a sources of income for small and medium farmers. 

Various studies have shown that out of 1,150 species of mushrooms in Nepal, 147 are edible, 70 have medicinal properties, and 100 are poisonous, said the ministry.

For the past few years, due to the support and cooperation of entrepreneurs and the government, commercial production of mushrooms has been promoted, laying the foundation for import substitution and export promotion. 

In the fiscal year 2024/25, about 2,262 kg of fresh or frozen mushrooms worth Rs. 671,000 were imported and around 17,198 kg worth Rs. 10.1 million were exported, said the ministry.

Similarly, recently, dried mushrooms have also started being exported. 

Mushroom farming can be carried out faster than other crops. It requires less land and fewer agricultural inputs and can be produced throughout the year due to Nepal’s geographical and climatic diversity. 

Therefore, commercial production and value chain development of mushroom farming are important for creating employment in the country, contributing to the agricultural economy, and promoting import substitution and exports.

Currently, various programmes are being run by the Centre for Industrial Entomology Development Centre under the Department of Agriculture for value chain development through mushroom technology expansion, marketing promotion, and policy facilitation.

Similarly, programmes are being run by the National Crop Disease Research Centre under the Nepal Agricultural Research Council for research and quality mushroom supply.

Minister Pariyar highlighted the importance of increasing collaboration and partnership among industrialists, farmers, researchers and businessmen involved in the mushroom value chain and strengthening long-term business relationships.

He said, “This day is expected to raise awareness about the nutritional and economic importance of mushrooms, connect farmers to new technologies and market opportunities, and provide policy guidance in the coming days.”

In addition, the Minister also appealed for coordination and cooperation with stakeholders involved in study, research, infrastructure development and market promotion for further promotion of this sector, celebrating Poush 15 as a festival.