Small/Large-Scale Production, Cost-Benefit Analysis, and Marketing of Button Mushroom

Abstract

People, in modern times, are becoming more health-conscious. In the present scenario, mushrooms fit themselves well to meet the best low-calorie food’s dietary requirements and its delicious taste and flavour. The species grown on most farms is the white button mushroom. Agaricus bisporus, belonging to the class Basidiomycetes and Family Agaricaceae, is the most popular mushroom variety grown and consumed worldwide. It is rich in protein and known as a good source of fat, phosphorus, iron, and vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, ergosterine, and niacin. They are low in calories, carbohydrates, and calcium. The potential benefits of button mushroom resources as human food for centuries are utilized worldwide due to their delicate taste, flavour, nutritional values, functional properties, and medicinal properties. Earlier, their production was possible only in the winter season, which was not fulfilling the market demand in India. However, with technology development, these are produced almost throughout the year in small, medium, and large farms, implementing different levels of technology. The present book chapter deals with general information, cultivation steps involved in small/large-scale production, marketing, and cost-benefit of A. bisporus mushrooms. This would help the growers and consumers increase their domestic market utilization.