Hands-on Training Programme on Mushroom Cultivation

The Department of Research and Development, Indra Ganesan Group of Institutions, in association with the Pre-Incubation Centre of Indra Ganesan Foundation, organized a Hands-on Training Programme on Mushroom Cultivation on 3 June 2026 for college students and aspiring innovators with the objective of promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities. The programme was inaugurated by Mr. G. Rajasekaran, Secretary, Indra Ganesan Group of Institutions. In his inaugural address, he emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship among students and encouraged them to explore innovative business opportunities alongside their academic pursuits. Dr.G.Balakrishnan, Director, delivered the felicitation address and stressed the significance of skill-based training programmes in nurturing entrepreneurial competencies and innovation among young minds. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. M. Anusuya, Registrar, who elaborated on the role of entrepreneurship in economic development and encouraged students to utilize incubation and mentoring facilities available within the institution to transform their ideas into successful ventures. The resource person for the programme was Dr. Senthil Kumar, Proprietor, Sri Amman Biocare SAB Research Academy, Thirukkanurpatti, Thanjavur. He conducted an extensive hands-on training session covering the complete process of mushroom cultivation, starting from substrate preparation, spawning, bed preparation, maintenance, harvesting, packaging, and marketing strategies. The participants gained practical experience through live demonstrations and interactive sessions. One of the major highlights of the programme was the discussion on entrepreneurship opportunities in mushroom cultivation and the marketing support available for aspiring entrepreneurs. The resource person provided valuable insights into establishing a mushroom production unit, cost-effective cultivation techniques, market demand, value-added products, and income generation prospects. Research scholars and students from VSS government arts College, Sivaganga district, Gnanamani college of Technology, Namakkal, NIT Trichy, Indra Ganesan college of Pharmacy, Naturopathy and yogic sciences, and Allied health sciences actively participated. Certificates of participation were distributed to all the participants. The programme concluded successfully with positive feedback from the attendees, who expressed that the training had enhanced their understanding of entrepreneurship and provided them with practical exposure to mushroom cultivation techniques.