A national conference was organised by MSI in collaboration with ICAR-DMR, Solan and AICRP on Mushrooms, RARS (SZ), Vellayani during 18-19 August 2023. The main purpose of the conference is to provide a platform for exchange of knowledge and ideas on mushroom science, to document the opportunities and challenges and accelerate the growth of Indian mushroom industry. The various sessions included Germplasm diversity, Biochemistry and Nutrition, Molecular biology, Genetics and breeding, Mushroom Production and Protection, Post harvest, quality control and marketing, Medicinal and mycorrhizl mushrooms and Policy/extension research and farmers initiatives. The first dayof programme ( 18.8.2023) started with KAU invocation song followed by the welcome address by Dr Anil Kumar Rao, Organising Secretary (MSI). The presidential address was given by Dr V.P. Sharma, Director, ICAR- DMR, Solan. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Kerala Agricultural University Dr. B. Asok, inaugurated the programme in an online mode. Dr Madhu Subrahmaniam, Director of Research KAU gave a special address in this occasion. Dr Roy Stephen (Dean of Faculty), Dr Anith K.N. (ADR, RARS (SZ)), Dr Thomas George (GC member) and Dr. Radhakrishnan N.V (Prof.and Head, Dept. of Plant Pathology), . felicitated the programme. Dr. Heera.G, gave the vote of thanks. The session started by 12.20 PM with germ plasm diversity with four key note address by Dr N.S Attri, Dr. Y.P Sharma, Dr C.K.Pradeep and Dr. Arun Kumar. Session II on Biochemistry and Nutrition had three key note address followed by oral and poster presentations. Molecular biology and genetic breeding of mushroom session had lectures from eminent scientist from DMR, Dr Shwet Kamal, Dr. Anupam Bahr and Dr Manojnath. Session om Mushroom production and protection had three note lectures. Dr. B.L Attri from DMR, Solan gave a key note address on Postharvest processing of Mushroom in Post harvest, quality control and marketing session. This was followed by session on medicinal and mycorrhizal mushrooms. The last session was on Policy/extension research and farmers initiative where there was interaction with the farmers, identification of their problems and possible suggestion were also given. In the plenary session all the recommendation aroused during these deliberation, were compiled together. The programme came to an end by 7.30 PM on 19 .8.2023
