The Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) has approved ₹1.07 crore to establish a Mushroom Spawn Production Unit in West Tripura district. The initiative aims to strengthen women-led livelihoods and promote agri-based entrepreneurship in the state.
The project will help mushroom growers become self-reliant by ensuring local availability of quality spawn.
Reducing Dependence on External Supply
At present, most mushroom growers in Tripura depend on spawn sourced from outside the state. This dependence increases production costs and often delays cultivation.
Women Self Help Group (SHG) members, popularly known as TRLM didis, face the greatest challenges. They often struggle with high prices and irregular supply.
With the new unit, local production will replace external procurement. This step will ensure timely availability and reduce overall costs.
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Affordable Spawn for SHG Members
TRLM will supply high-quality mushroom spawn from the unit at subsidised rates. SHG members across West Tripura can access the spawn easily.
As a result, more women can expand mushroom cultivation as a steady income source. Officials expect a sharp rise in production after the unit becomes operational.
The project will also strengthen confidence among women entrepreneurs.
Focus on Women-Led Enterprises
TRLM designed the initiative to directly support women-led micro-enterprises. Easy access to quality inputs will help SHGs improve productivity and profits.
In addition, the project will strengthen the entire mushroom value chain. It will link input supply, cultivation, and market access more effectively.
Officials believe the initiative will generate new livelihood opportunities in rural areas.
Learning from Himachal Pradesh
To ensure technical efficiency, a team of TRLM officials recently visited Solan district in Himachal Pradesh. The district has national recognition for mushroom spawn production.
During the visit, the team studied production methods, quality control practices, and management models. They also interacted with experts and unit operators.
TRLM plans to adopt these best practices in the West Tripura unit.
What Is a Mushroom Spawn Unit
A mushroom spawn production unit produces the seed required for mushroom cultivation. The process demands strict hygiene and controlled conditions.
The facility uses specialised equipment such as autoclaves, laminar airflow cabinets, incubators, and culture rooms. Technicians prepare mother cultures and sterilise substrates like grains or sawdust.
They then inoculate and incubate the material under controlled temperatures. These steps ensure consistent quality and prevent contamination.
Planned Infrastructure and Skilled Workforce
TRLM will develop the West Tripura unit with modern infrastructure and reliable power backup. The mission will also deploy trained technical staff to manage operations.
These measures will ensure uninterrupted and contamination-free production throughout the year.
TRLM also plans to conduct training programmes for SHG members. These sessions will focus on cultivation techniques and safe handling of spawn.
Aligned with TRLM’s Long-Term Vision
The project aligns with TRLM’s broader goal of promoting local enterprises and sustainable incomes for rural women. It also supports value-chain development in agriculture.
By producing spawn locally, TRLM will reduce external dependence and strengthen rural economies.
Officials said the mushroom spawn unit could serve as a model for similar initiatives across Tripura. Once operational, the project is expected to boost employment, women’s empowerment, and agricultural diversification in the state.
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