Learn about the classification of mushrooms and the most popular cultivated types such as Button, Oyster, and Shiitake mushrooms. Discover their nutritional value, uses, and scope for commercial farming.
Introduction
Mushrooms are a diverse group of macro-fungi
belonging primarily to the phylum Basidiomycota and Ascomycota.
More than 14,000 species of mushrooms have been identified worldwide,
but only about 200 species are considered edible, and fewer than 20
species are cultivated commercially.
The selection of species for farming depends on factors such as climate,
substrate availability, consumer demand, and economic viability.
In India, five major species dominate the
cultivation sector: Button, Oyster, Shiitake, Milky, and Paddy Straw
mushrooms. Apart from these, medicinal mushrooms like Reishi (Ganoderma
lucidum) and Cordyceps militaris are gaining market importance.
Button Mushroom (Agaricus
bisporus)
- Origin: Europe
- Climate Requirement:
14–20°C (temperate climate)
- Substrate:
Specially prepared compost with straw, manure, and gypsum
- Harvest Period: 30–40
days after spawning
- Global Significance:
Accounts for nearly 40% of world mushroom production
- Nutritional Profile: High
in protein (3–3.5%), rich in B-complex vitamins
- Challenges:
Requires controlled environment and pasteurized compost
👉 Button mushroom is the most widely cultivated in India, especially
in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab.
Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus
spp.)
- Origin: Tropical and subtropical regions
- Climate Requirement:
20–30°C (ideal for most of India)
- Substrate: Paddy
straw, wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse, sawdust
- Harvest Period: 25–30
days after spawning
- Global Significance:
Second most cultivated mushroom globally
- Nutritional Profile: High
in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and low in fat
- Advantages: Easy
to grow, low-cost setup, suitable for beginners
Oyster
mushrooms are considered a “poor man’s protein” and are popular among
health-conscious urban consumers.
Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula
edodes)
- Origin: East Asia (China & Japan)
- Climate Requirement:
12–20°C (temperate climate)
- Substrate:
Hardwood logs (oak, beech) or sawdust blocks
- Harvest Period: 45–60
days
- Global Significance: Popular
in Japan, Korea, and China; high export value
- Medicinal Value:
Contains lentinan, an anti-cancer polysaccharide recognized by
modern medicine
- Challenges:
Requires longer incubation and advanced setup
Shiitake
is one of the most profitable mushrooms globally but still underdeveloped in
India due to climatic challenges.
Milky Mushroom (Calocybe
indica)
- Origin: India (first identified in Tamil Nadu)
- Climate Requirement: 25–35°C
(ideal for tropical regions)
- Substrate: Paddy
straw, composted organic waste
- Harvest Period: 30–35
days
- Unique Feature:
White, fleshy fruiting body with good shelf life (up to 7 days)
- Advantages:
Suitable for year-round cultivation in hot climates
- Nutritional Value: Rich
in protein and dietary fiber
Milky
mushroom is an “Indian innovation” and has high potential in South Indian
states.
Paddy Straw Mushroom (Volvariella
volvacea)
- Origin: Southeast Asia
- Climate Requirement:
28–35°C (humid and warm climate)
- Substrate: Paddy
straw bundles arranged in beds or heaps
- Harvest Period: 18–20
days (fastest growing species)
- Advantages:
Low-cost farming, minimal infrastructure required
- Limitations: Very
short shelf life (1–2 days), making transportation difficult
This
species is popular in Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar, where paddy straw is
abundantly available.
Medicinal Mushrooms (Emerging Sector)
(a) Reishi
Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
- Known as the “Mushroom of Immortality” in Chinese medicine
- Contains bioactive compounds like triterpenoids and polysaccharides
- Used in nutraceuticals, teas, and dietary supplements
- Requires wood logs or sawdust for cultivation
(b) Cordyceps
militaris
- Famous for its use in traditional Tibetan medicine
- Contains cordycepin, an active compound with anti-viral and
anti-aging properties
- Cultivated on insect larvae or artificial substrate in labs
- High market value (₹3–5 lakh per kg in the nutraceutical industry)
Comparative Table of Major
Cultivated Mushrooms
|
Species |
Scientific Name |
Temp (°C) |
Substrate Used |
Harvest Time |
Shelf Life |
Market Value (₹/kg) |
|
Button |
Agaricus bisporus |
14–20 |
Compost |
30–40 days |
3–4 days |
120–150 |
|
Oyster |
Pleurotus spp. |
20–30 |
Straw, sawdust |
25–30 days |
4–5 days |
100–130 |
|
Shiitake |
Lentinula edodes |
12–20 |
Hardwood logs/sawdust |
45–60 days |
7–8 days |
400–600 |
|
Milky |
Calocybe indica |
25–35 |
Paddy straw, compost |
30–35 days |
6–7 days |
150–200 |
|
Paddy Straw |
Volvariella spp. |
28–35 |
Paddy straw |
18–20 days |
1–2 days |
80–100 |
Conclusion
The choice of mushroom species plays a crucial
role in determining the success and profitability of mushroom farming. For
tropical regions like India, Oyster, Milky, and Paddy Straw mushrooms
are best suited, while Button and Shiitake mushrooms are highly
profitable in temperate and controlled environments. Emerging medicinal
mushrooms like Reishi and Cordyceps represent the future of
nutraceutical farming.
2.Herbal & Medicinal Plant Farming: A Complete Guide (2025)
3.National Horticulture Board – Mushroom Cultivation Guide
