BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 17th November 2026: In a significant step toward promoting sustainable rural livelihoods, the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) has approved Rs 1.07 crore for the establishment of a Mushroom Spawn Production Unit in West Tripura district.
Currently, mushroom cultivators under TRLM, popularly known as “didis”, rely on spawn sourced from outside the state. This dependency not only drives up production costs but also causes delays in timely availability. With the creation of a dedicated local spawn production facility, TRLM aims to make didis self-reliant, reducing their dependence on external suppliers and fostering more efficient mushroom cultivation.
TRLM officials highlighted that the locally produced mushroom spawn will be offered to interested didis at an affordable cost. This move is expected to boost mushroom production, increase income opportunities, and strengthen rural livelihoods across the district.
To ensure the adoption of best practices and maintain high-quality standards, a team of TRLM officials recently visited Solan, Himachal Pradesh, a nationally recognized hub for mushroom research and spawn production. They studied advanced cultivation techniques and operational models, which will be customized and implemented to suit Tripura’s conditions.
A mushroom spawn production unit is a highly controlled facility responsible for producing the “seed” used in mushroom farming. It requires sterile environments and specialized equipment, including autoclaves, laminar airflow cabinets, incubators, and culture rooms. The production process involves careful preparation of the mother culture, sterilization of substrates like grains or sawdust, inoculation, and incubation—all meticulously managed to prevent contamination and ensure high-quality spawn.
The upcoming unit in West Tripura will be equipped with modern infrastructure, power backup, and trained personnel to maintain stringent quality standards. Once operational, it is expected to play a pivotal role in scaling up mushroom-based enterprises, promoting women-led economic activities, and strengthening the local agri-livelihood ecosystem in Tripura.
