Economics of paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella spp.) production and effect of plant extracts on the growth of fungal contaminants in Odisha: A case study

The present study estimates the cost and return, resource use efficiency and application of different plant extracts on the growth of fungal contaminants in paddy straw mushroom production. The benefit-cost ratio was 1.47 and the break-even volume of the production was 353 kg, in the area of 1,000 sq. ft., having on an average of 110 beds. The resources like straw, spawn beds and labor were highly significant in the production of paddy straw mushroom. The application of plant extracts like Lantana camera, Acacia nilotica, and Cassia tora were highly effective in controlling the growth of fungal contaminants, like Aspergillus flavus, Talaromyces amestolkiae and Schizophyllum commune, so that the mushroom growers could be able to get more production. The above findings can suggest that more emphasis should be given for mushroom production, which is quite remunerative and also cost effective.