Mushroom Production Benefits, Status, Challenges and Opportunities in Bangladesh: A Review

Compacted information on mushroom cultivation in relation to production, performance, problems and prospects is very important for developing this sector. So, the aim of the review paper is to compile information on mushroom cultivation in Bangladesh. Mushroom production is increasing due to high demand of domestic market and export potentiality. In Bangladesh 40000 MT mushrooms are produced during 2018-19. Oyster, Reishi, Milky, Button, Straw and Shiitake mushrooms are most preferable species and cultivated by the farmers; but the maximum cultivation is confined to oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) which are grown throughout the year. Mostly young aged educated people and rural women are adopting mushroom farming as commercial basis in Bangladesh. The study revealed that mushroom production is easy work because it requires only a little technical efficiency and a highly profitable agribusiness as evident for its lucrative benefit cost ratio (BCR 1.55-4.25). Although mushrooms production increased, there are some problems confronting by the mushroom growers during cultivation and marketing including lack of cultivation house, unavailability of good spawn, capital shortage, lack of equipment’s, lack of available market and promotion in local level, lack of storage facilities etc. which are needed to be addressed for further development of this sector. There is enormous opportunity of expanding mushroom farming throughout the country. Considering the country’s limited land, over and unemployed population, strengthening the production of mushroom could be one of the sustainable options for the development of rural economy. Development of this sector would also improve the diversified business and employment opportunities both in the rural and semi-urban areas.