Strengthening Practical Skills in Biotechnology — Mushroom Cultivation Workshop at JNC

The Department of Biological Sciences organised a hands-on Workshop on Mushroom Cultivation on 10th October 2025 in collaboration with ShroomGarten – Mushroom Cultivation Training Center. With the support of our Chief Patron, Dr. Sr. Mary Louisa S., Principal, JNC, the event aimed to equip students with practical and sustainable biotechnology skills.

Experts Mr. Sumanth and Mr. Shekar Venkatesh led the session, offering our MSc Biological Sciences students an in-depth look into the fascinating world of edible mushroom cultivation. The workshop began with an introduction to fungal biology, the significance of mushrooms in nutrition and environmental sustainability, and the growing demand for entrepreneurial ventures in this field. Students were then told about substrate preparation, sterilization techniques, spawning, growth conditions, and contamination control. The trainers emphasized how simple, small-scale setups can be used to cultivate nutrient-rich mushrooms, making it both an accessible skill and a meaningful eco-friendly practice. The workshop also encouraged students to think about the broader applications of mushroom cultivation — from waste utilisation to community-based nutrition and sustainable livelihoods. The interactive nature of the session allowed students to clarify doubts, understand real-world challenges, and gain confidence in implementing cultivation techniques independently.

The Department extends its gratitude to ShroomGarten and to our dedicated resource persons for their valuable guidance. Initiatives like this continue to strengthen our commitment to providing experiential learning that bridges scientific understanding with practical innovation.