Project: With technical support from a Japanese mushroom producer, Haruka International Co. Ltd. (HI), Druk Holding and Investments (DHI) will start a pilot project on organic mushroom production in the country.

The pilot phase will begin at the National Mushroom Centre where spawns of shiitake, oyster and king oyster and wood ear would be grown on trail. Once the project gains momentum, the spawn would be distributed to potential mushroom growers in the country.

Haruka International and DHI in collaboration with Alliance Forum Foundation (AFF) and the agriculture department will promote the project.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between DHI and Haruka International yesterday evening in the presence of the agriculture secretary Tenzin Dhendup.

DHI officials said mushroom, in particular Shiitake is popular in Bhutan, and mushroom production is an essential income source for farmers. “However, a substantial gap exists between demand and production for mushroom for commercial purpose mainly owing to lack of technology,” an official said.

Haruka International, DHI officials said has extensive experience in producing high quality organic mushroom with simple technology.

The chairman of Haruka International Kosou Inoue, said, mushroom business in Bhutan has potential. With technical support, Kosou Inoue said, the project is expected to improve production and quality of mushrooms with the country even producing mushroom for the international market.

“With such technology, income from mushroom for farmers would be five times more,” Kosou Inoue, said. “We will be sharing our expertise with Bhutan for the success of the project.”

By Kinga Dema

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