Japanese firm keen to start Shiitake mushroom cultivation

SHILLONG: The State Government is now keen to promote edible Shiitake mushroom in the state in collaboration with a Japanese delegation Yats Corporation Co Ltd.
A delegation from the company on Tuesday held detailed discussions with the Agriculture Department and Agriculture Minister here after which both the parties decided to sign an MOU in this regard at the earliest.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Agriculture Minister, Banteidor Lyngdoh said the initiative is a big opportunity for the famers of the state.
Stating that the price of Shiitake mushroom is much higher than other mushrooms, he added that the special kind of mushroom is being used in high end hotels across the globe.
According to Lyngdoh, if the idea goes ahead as planned, Meghalaya would be able to produce 1000 metric tonnes of Shiitake mushroom in the next five years, adding the State would not have to face marketing problem since the company itself would by the mushrooms after cultivation.
Under the programme for which an MoU is likely to be signed in a week’s time, some officers and farmers from the state would also be sent for training to Japan for a period of three months.
The Minister also exuded confidence that this partnership will not be like previous partnership with foreign companies which have not yielded desired results.
Currently, the state is producing only oyster and button mushrooms in plenty.
It is said that the climate for cultivation of Shiitake mushroom is conducive in East Khasi Hills, West and South West Khasi Hills but not in Ri Bhoi and Garo Hills
On the other hand, Representative Director of Yats corporate Co Ltd, Yasuhide Ito, said the company has the technology to cultivate Shiitake mushroom and the technology will be brought and implemented in Meghalaya.