In a significant step toward strengthening sustainable rural livelihoods, the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) has approved ₹1.07 crore for the establishment of a Mushroom Spawn Production Unit in West Tripura district.

Currently, mushroom cultivators associated with TRLM—popularly known as didis—depend on spawn sourced from outside the state. This reliance not only raises input costs but also causes delays in availability. The proposed unit will address these challenges by ensuring local production of quality spawn, enabling growers to become more self-reliant.

TRLM officials said the spawn produced at the facility will be supplied to interested didis at affordable rates. This initiative is expected to substantially increase mushroom output, enhance income generation, and further strengthen rural livelihoods across the district.

As part of the preparation, a delegation of TRLM officials recently visited Solan in Himachal Pradesh, a nationally renowned center for mushroom research and spawn production. The team studied advanced production methods and operational systems, which will be adapted to suit Tripura’s agro-climatic conditions.

A mushroom spawn production unit is a specialized facility that produces the seed material required for mushroom cultivation. It operates under strictly controlled and sterile conditions and requires equipment such as autoclaves, laminar airflow units, incubators, and culture rooms. The production process includes developing mother cultures, sterilizing substrates like grains or sawdust, inoculation, and incubation—each stage carefully monitored to prevent contamination and ensure consistent quality.

Officials added that the upcoming unit will be equipped with modern infrastructure, uninterrupted power supply, and trained personnel to maintain high quality standards. Once operational, it is expected to play a pivotal role in expanding mushroom-based enterprises, promoting women-led economic activities, and strengthening Tripura’s agri-livelihood ecosystem.