Paddy Straw Mushroom Cultivation of Odisha

Paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) cultivation is a traditional low-input farming practice in Odisha, using rice straw — the most abundant agricultural waste in paddy-dominant districts — as the growing medium. Odisha produces over 60 percent of India paddy straw mushroom output. The cultivation cycle is 14 to 20 days from spawning to harvest, making it one of the fastest mushroom crops. Paddy districts of Cuttack, Puri, and Jagatsinghpur have the highest concentrations of cultivation. Women self-help groups operate most paddy straw mushroom farms. The mushroom is rich in protein and iron and is a traditional food in Odia cuisine. State government and NABARD support training and spawn supply through agricultural extension centres. A fresh mushroom market in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack provides stable demand. Dried paddy straw mushroom for urban and export market is an emerging product line from Odisha SHG cooperatives.