Manipur innovator builds affordable machines to simplify mushroom farming

A farmer from Manipur has developed a range of locally built machines to simplify mushroom cultivation, aiming to reduce labour and improve production for growers across the state.

 

Manjit Khwairakpam, a farmer and innovator from Khurai Khongpal Chingangbam Leikai in Imphal East district, has designed equipment that assists farmers at different stages of mushroom farming — from spawn preparation to cultivation.

 

Departments in the state have been promoting mushroom farming due to its nutritional value and potential as a steady source of income. However, farmers often face difficulties due to the lack of affordable equipment. Khwairakpam said the machines he builds locally are significantly cheaper than similar products available outside the state, making them accessible to small growers.

 

Speaking to India Today NE, he said he began producing mushroom cultivation equipment in 2020 after observing the challenges faced by farmers who rely on conventional methods.

 

“Before I started making this equipment, I completed training in mushroom farming. I travelled to different places and interacted with mushroom growers. Those visits made me realise how farmers suffer when mushrooms are cultivated manually or through conventional methods,” he said.

 

“That inspired me to develop locally made mushroom cultivation equipment which farmers can afford,” he added.

 

Under his venture, MDS Mushroom, Khwairakpam has so far produced 22 types of machines designed for different stages of mushroom farming. Although similar equipment is available in other states, he said many farmers in Manipur cannot afford it due to high prices.

 

The machines include an autoclave used for mushroom spawn sterilisation, a waste oil burner for autoclave and steaming operations, a fogging machine for cultivation rooms, a straw steaming machine, laminar air flow equipment for culture and spawn preparation, bagging machines and steaming drums.

 

According to Khwairakpam, using machinery instead of manual methods reduces time and labour costs while lowering the risk of crop failure.

 

“To enhance the production scale of mushroom, there is an urgent need for this equipment,” he said. “When farmers start producing mushroom seeds through machines instead of conventional methods, the state can increase production.”

 

He also pointed out that despite awareness programmes on mushroom cultivation, production levels may remain limited if farmers continue to depend on manual techniques.

 

Khwairakpam said his machines have been purchased by farmers from almost all districts of Manipur, except Tamenglong. He has also received enquiries from states including Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, as well as from Kolkata.

 

However, he said transportation difficulties and high courier charges have prevented him from delivering the products outside the state.

 

“I wish the state had a proper logistics system for exporting these items to other states,” he said.

 

Despite building a wide range of machines, Khwairakpam said he has not received formal technical training in equipment manufacturing. He learned basic welding from a senior during the COVID-19 period and began experimenting on his own.

 

Without financial assistance from authorities, he continues to produce the machines while also cultivating mushrooms with the help of family members to maintain a steady income.

 

A mushroom farmer who has purchased the equipment said mechanisation has made a noticeable difference. Earlier, relying on manual methods, he now uses machines for cultivation.

 

“There is great benefit in using machinery as time consumption and labour costs decrease, and the risk of crop failure is reduced,” the farmer said, adding that it has helped improve income from mushroom farming.

 

Agriculture and allied sectors remain key sources of livelihood in Manipur. Farmers say innovations such as locally built cultivation machines could play a role in expanding mushroom production and supporting rural income in the state.

 

The story has been produced under the Award in Scientific Journalism Programme of CAU, Imphal. For further details, please contact Dr Indira Thounaojam, Information & Publicity Officer, CAU Imphal, at prmmcell@gmail.com