DINAJPUR, Feb 18 (BSS): Birganj upazila of the district has achieved a significant milestone in agricultural innovation with the successful cultivation of button mushrooms using indigenous technology.
The breakthrough was made through a joint initiative of the Protina Research Foundation and Bahari Agrotech. For the first time in the country, button mushrooms have been successfully produced from locally prepared seeds in a natural cool environment, marking a major step toward reducing import dependence.
The development was announced by Masuda Islam, chairman of the Protina Research Foundation, at a press conference held on Wednesday afternoon at her farm in Dakshin Nijpara village under Birganj upazila.
Speaking at the event, Masuda Islam said the foundation undertook laboratory-based initiatives to develop button mushroom seeds (spawn) using domestic technology.
"We first focused on preparing quality mushroom seeds in our own laboratory. Later, we achieved success in small-scale button mushroom cultivation through compost-based methods," she added. She also described the various challenges and obstacles faced during different stages of research and production, emphasizing that the success came after overcoming significant technical and environmental hurdles. Professor Dr AK Obaidul Haque of the Food Technology and Nutrition Department at Maulana Bhashani Science and Technology University highlighted the nutritional importance of mushrooms during the press conference.
He stated that every 100 grams of raw mushrooms contain approximately 2.75 grams of protein, 2.5 grams of carbohydrates, 0.5 grams of fat, and significant amounts of vitamin B-complex and essential minerals.
According to him, regular consumption of mushrooms supports body growth, strengthens immunity, and helps in disease prevention. Mushrooms play effective roles as anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, and anti-inflammatory foods, he added.
Engineer Md. Habibur Rahman, a partner of Bahari Agrotech, said that Bangladesh imports button mushrooms and mushroom seeds annually from countries including India and Thailand, spending more than Taka 100 crore.
He expressed optimism that domestic production using local raw materials could meet national demand and create opportunities for export to international markets. Several researchers and partners, including Engineer Md. Fahim Rahman, Md. Salauddin, Md. Mim Islam, Md. Jim Islam, and Akhter Kabir Kanon, were present at the conference.
The success in Birganj is being viewed as a promising development for Bangladesh's agricultural sector, potentially opening new avenues for sustainable farming, nutritional security, and export earnings.
