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A Vegan Diet’s Savior: The Mushroom and Its Impact On Veganism

A Vegan Diet’s Savior: The Mushroom and Its Impact on Veganism

In recent years, veganism has started to grow in popularity with people wanting to make the switch to plant-based foods for health benefits, sustainability, and ethical concerns regarding animal welfare. Due to these reasons, vegan diets often tend to consist of whole foods such as organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and most importantly, mushrooms. Mushrooms are rich in protein as well as contain a lot of essential vitamins, nutrients, and minerals, making them a great option for people who are considering the vegan lifestyle. They can be used in a wide variety of dishes as they are versatile and act as a nutritional powerhouse in the vegan world. Mushrooms: The Nutrition-Packed Powerhouse & Meat Substitute Mushrooms, as we know, are a nutritionally rich food that can support a vegan diet in a balanced way. Although not as much as legumes, they also provide a good amount of protein and are rich in vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, iron, copper, potassium and selenium. They also contain good amounts of antioxidants such as glutathione that helps to reduce inflammation and support the immune system. Regular eating of mushrooms may help lower cholesterol, support immunological function, and potentially lessen the incidence of certain malignancies due to polysaccharides and antioxidants. They also include beta-glucans and other fibers that act as prebiotics, that help to maintain a healthy gut and overall digestion. They are often known as the “meat” of the plant world due to their fleshy texture and umami taste, along with the ability to absorb flavors and provide a perfect satisfying bite. This makes mushrooms a great substitute for meat for people trying to follow to a vegan diet. Some popular mushroom options to be used for cooking are shiitake, portobello, king trumpet and Oyster mushrooms. Culinary Versatility of Mushrooms Mushrooms can be prepared in several ways through cooking methods like grilling, roasting and sauteeing. Various dishes that can be used and prepared are: Popular Mushroom Dishes The Sustainable and Ethical Impact Mushrooms have also proved to be a great sustainable food choice as it requires minimal resources, water and energy to be produced compared to agriculture and livestock. They can be grown on agricultural waste and only require a warm and humid environment to grow which is easy to replicate at commercial scales as well as at home. Even after harvesting, the remaining substrate can be used as fertilizer and further enrich the soil or even be used as animal feed, creating a nutrient loop and making entire use of the mushroom’s life cycle. Since people have started following a vegan lifestyle have switched to mushrooms from meat, it has impacted their ecological footprint as well as promoted sustainable and eco-friendly food systems as mushroom farming not only supports ecosystems and biodiversity while also offering significant advantages over growing of livestock for meat. Conclusion Mushrooms truly are the heroes of vegan nutrition and diet. The unique combination of taste, nutrition, and sustainability makes mushrooms the perfect candidate for anyone who is trying to follow a plant-based lifestyle. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or simply want to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet, mushrooms provide limitless opportunities to feed your body and pleasure your palette. References

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Choosing the Best Mushroom to Grow: P. Florida, Milky, Pink Oyster

Choosing the Best Mushroom to Grow: P. Florida, Milky, Pink Oyster Introduction to Mushroom Cultivation Cultivation of mushrooms is a field that has recently grown in the agricultural space. It is profitable, requires fewer resources compared to regular crops, is more profitable and can be produced for a wide range of uses, such as cooking, sustainability in biodegradable packaging, as in companies such as BETi and Mycoworks and construction materials as well. Understanding which type of mushroom to grow is all based on the kind of function you want it to perform. In this blog, we shall be comparing three types of oyster mushroom: P. florida, Milky Mushroom and Pink Oyster Mushroom, to understand which mushroom is most appropriate to your needs as a mushroom cultivator! Comparing Three Oyster Mushrooms Let us take a look at these unique mushrooms on the basis of their structure, nutritional value, method of cultivation and uses: White Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Florida) P. florida or White Oyster Mushroom is recognised as one of the most popular species for mushroom cultivation due to its high yield, mild flavor, nutritional versatility and adaptability. They are seen as adaptive as they can grow on various types of substrates such as wheat straw, sawdust, sugarcane bagasse, etc. They can grow in mild temperatures and require high humidity for proper growth, and are tolerant to many environmental conditions that could harm regular plants. Due to its adaptability and versatility, it is a great option for beginner mushroom cultivators as it requires minimal and easily available resources for a good yield that can be used for a variety of uses. Applications Culinary and Nutritional Benefits Pleurotus florida mushrooms are used in cooking a lot due to the nutritional benefits they hold. These mushrooms are high in fibre and protein as well as vitamins and minerals that make them optimal for increasing protein intake in vegetarian diets and even otherwise as a substitution for meat. Agricultural Advantages P. Florida is also easy to grow due to its high tolerance to a variety of substances, minimal resources to grow it and is preferred at both a home-grown scale as well as the commercial scale. This makes it a great option for beginner farmers who want to start growing mushrooms, due to its adaptable and easy-to-grow nature. Milky Mushroom (Calocybe indica) Calocybe indica, or Milky Mushrooms, is recognised as a common species of mushroom grown in India and other tropical regions. They can be found having a thick and fleshy fruiting body and commonly white. This species has the unique ability to grow in much higher temperatures in comparison to other mushroom species, making it a great option for mushroom cultivators staying in tropical areas. These mushrooms grow at high temperatures and high humidity, and also have a longer shelf life compared to other mushrooms. These mushrooms too can also grow in different types of agricultural wastes like sugarcane baggasse, paddy straw etc. and also can be grown quite easily. Applications Culinary and Nutritional Benefits These mushrooms are high in protein and carbohydrate levels, along with providing vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, making them a good option for affordable vegetarian meals. The ease in production also makes it a good and available option for consumers who are health-forward and are looking for well-balanced meals. Agricultural Advantages Milky mushrooms are a dependable crop for farmers since they can grow well in warmer climates and are at lower risk of infection. Pink Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus djamor) Pink Oyster Mushroom or Pleurotus djamor is a unique mushroom recognised by its pink color and fast-growing time. It can grow on a variety of agricultural wastes such as SMS, coffee grounds, etc. Its beautiful color, quick growing time, and high yield make it a good option for cultivators who are in the food industry, are they are sought after in luxury, gourmet foods. They are grown in warm and humid areas and do not require special substrate to grow. However, they also have a short shelf life that requires them to be used quickly. This mushroom is a great option for chefs and cultivators who want to grow versatile mushrooms quickly and easily. Applications Culinary and Nutritional Benefits These mushrooms are packed with antioxidants as well as moderate amounts of protein, making them a great option for health-conscious consumers. These mushrooms are mainly recognised for their color and short shelf life, making them a good option for salads or stirfried food. Agricultural Benefits These mushrooms are easy and quick to grow and require minimal resources that make them ideal for beginner cultivators and urban growers. They are a dependable and aesthetically pleasing crop because of their adaptability to different surfaces and temperatures. Conclusion Whether it’s the versatile Pleurotus florida (White Oyster), the heat-loving Milky mushroom, or the colourful Pink Oyster, picking the correct mushroom to cultivate is just one aspect of the process, as you can see. The foundation you establish is where the true magic starts. Happy growing! References

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World Day To Combat Desertification And Drought and The Importance Of Mushrooms

World Day To Combat Desertification And Drought and The Importance Of Mushrooms Introduction World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought Every year on 17th June, the world comes together for Desertification and Drought Day to raise awareness on the growing crisis of land droughts, desertification and land erosion. Initiated by the United Nations, this day not only raises awareness to these issues but also allows us to work on combating these threats that affect our ecosystems. Theme of 2025 The theme of 2025 is “Restore the land. Unlock the opportunities,” tells us about the worldwide struggle of restoring 1.5 hectares of land that have faced drought and desertification by 2030 and to look beyond normal solutions to save our lands that contribute to the environment, climate, our food security, and millions of livelihoods. So How Do Droughts And Desertification Affect Us? Droughts Droughts occur when the land undergoes evaporation and transpiration at a high rate, leaving it all dry and cracked, and creating land that is not capable of agriculture or living. This process of drought formation has become more common and intense due to the rising temperatures of the climate. Desertification Desertification refers to when a thriving land is gradually converted into a desert that can no longer support families and their livelihoods. Traditional methods of farming that have no regard for sustainability, deforestation, global warming, overgrazing are all reasons that contribute to and accelerate droughts and deforestation. The acceleration of this leads to more severe effects in our society such as migration, loss of livelihoods, poverty and lack of food resources. The Hidden Strength of Fungi Fungi’s Role in Ecosystems As we all know, fungi are master decomposers that also connect our ecosystems together with networks of mycelium. Not only do they connect our ecosystems, but they also distribute information and nutrients throughout that help forests and environments to adapt and survive environmental changes. Being able to protect and revive our lands does not only start from growing plants and trees and stopping soil erosion and deforestation, it begins from healing and treatment of the soil itself. The Ecosystem’s Engineers That Are Allies To Sustainability and Land Protection Fungi as Decomposers Fungi are nature’s decomposers that help to break down all types of organic matter into nutrients and minerals that are essential for plants and trees for their growth. Along with forming nutrient networks, fungi help to bind the soil together, increase water capacity, improve soil structure, and composition with the help of substances like glomalin, that is crucial for restoring desert lands as well as maintaining healthy soil for fertile lands. Mycorrhizal Fungi As allies to land protection, a key type of fungi, known as mycorrhizal fungi, plays a huge role in preventing desertification and drought formation. They form symbiotic relationships with trees and plant roots, where they help to absorb nutrients, especially when drought conditions are present. Arbuscular Mycorrhiza This type of fungi contains something known as arbuscular mycorrhiza that enhances the plant’s resistance and adaptability to drought by helping the plant roots reach underground water reservoirs. This mycorrhiza present in this fungus also triggers genetic and cultural changes to enhance drought resilience. Soil Recovery and Climate Benefits Mycorrhizal fungi also aid in soil recovery when deforestation or wildfire occurs, ensuring plant growth and soil infertility prevention. This fungi also aids against climate change as it helps forests absorb carbon dioxide more efficiently, which improves oxygen production as well as reduces the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. BETi’s Contributions Biotech Era Technologies India (BETi), located in Indore India, is at the forefront of promoting sustainable agriculture through mushroom cultivation. By providing high-quality mushroom spawn and ready-to-use cultivation kits, BETi enables farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices that improve soil fertility and reduce chemical dependency reliance on chemical inputs. Their training programs and consultancy services on mushroom cultivation farming further empower communities to combat land degradation by integrating fungal fungi-based solutions into agricultural practices. Restoration of Lands and Their Success Stories: Fungi in Land Restoration Incorporating fungi into land restoration gives us a sustainable and long-term strategy that shall help us with the prevention of land desertification as well as ensure land fertility and health is maintained. Using fungi can aid in soil recovery, enhance water capacity as well as aidconcern in in the reproduction of new plants. They also help with sustainable agriculture and protecting fungal systems in forests as they act as biofertilizers, minimize soil disturbance and reduce chemical use reliance on chemicals. Success Stories Conclusion: Addressing Global Challenges Droughts and Desertification have caused major issues in food scarcity, poverty and livelihoods of people and have affected the health of our planet severely. It is now time to recognize our mistakes and take action by using sustainable solutions such as the use of fungi to restore our degraded lands, to slowly improve climate conditions and to create a more sustainable and green future. BETi’s Call to Action On this World’s Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, we at BETi invite urge you to join our efforts to understand this natural solution to desertification and to help protect and conserve our planet, empower farmers to build on their traditional practices methods using scientific methods, and practice sustainable and green efforts! References   How Fungi are Key to Restoring the World’s Degraded Land Restoring Degraded Land with Fungi

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The Rising Star of Nutrition Market

When you’re vegan, you spend your time chasing protein, and you’re eating food that’s way too high in carbs. I could never catch up on protein.Rick Rubin We are aware of animal and plant-based nutrition sources in our food, but apart from this, there is also one more important nutrition source which is a complete food in itself, and many of us have either heard of it or are aware of its significance. Are you excited as well to discover this amazing superfood that is going to meet the increasing demand for quality protein with the increasing population and decreasing water and land resources? It has been predicted that by 2050, the global population will be surpassed 9 billion, implying a rise in food consumption. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), agricultural production will have to expand by 70% to fulfill demand. Subsequently, global protein demand will rise, and in the absence of alternative sources, environmental resources will be under intense pressure. As a result, an alternative protein source, such as edible mushrooms, that can provide high-quality protein at a low cost, faster, and with little to no negative environmental impact, would be much preferred. Of the 35 billion kg of edible mushrooms that were grown in 2013, 87% were produced in China, the majority of which were consumed there. The most popular edible fungus in the Western world, the button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus and related), is only fourth in terms of mushroom cultivation. Lentinula (shiitake and related species), Pleurotus (oyster mushrooms), and Auricularia (wood ear mushrooms) make up the top three.  The human body needs protein as a macronutrient in order to grow and maintain itself. The current recommended daily intake (RDA) for protein is 0.8 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day for adults, 1.5 g of protein per kilogram per day for children, and 1.0 g of protein per kilogram per day for adolescents. However, high protein diets (defined as an intake above the current RDA) are promoted intensively by the nutritional supplements industry and they are considered to be “the gold standard” by many athletes (especially bodybuilders) for muscle development and/or body fat loss. On the other hand, several scientists claim that the overuse of protein supplements or high dietary protein intake could cause disorders in human health.  Thousands of people take supplements hoping for health benefits from weight loss to muscle building, without knowing the adverse effects on health. A diet that is high in protein generates a large amount of acid in body fluids. The kidneys respond to this dietary acid challenge with net acid excretion and, concurrently, the skeleton supplies buffer by active resorption of bone resulting in excessive calcium loss. Low fluid intake and excessive intake of protein are risk factors for kidney stones. Protein ingestion increases renal acid excretion, and acid loads, in turn, may be buffered in part by bone, which releases calcium to be excreted by the kidney. Despite the fact that a short-term high-protein diet could be necessary for several pathological conditions (malnutrition, sarcopenia, etc.), it is evident that “too much of a good thing” in a diet could be useless or even harmful for healthy individuals. This can be replaced with mushrooms, which have a high protein content, a balanced vitamin and mineral profile, and a high fiber content. Additionally, mushrooms have a modest calorie content (27–30 kcal/100g) and fat content (1.3–8% of dry weight). Mushroom proteins have lately gained acceptance in the food industry in view of their high nutritional value and complete essential amino acids. Mushroom proteins often offer a full necessary amino acid profile, meeting nutritional requirements while having some financial advantages when compared to animal and plant sources. It has been considered an ingredient of gourmet cuisine across the globe; especially for its unique flavor. It is regarded as a functional food for the prevention of multiple human diseases since it supplements the human diet with a variety of bioactive molecules that have either not been identified or are insufficient in foods from plant and animal sources.  A cardio workout increases blood flow and acts as a filter system. It brings nutrients like oxygen, protein, and iron to the muscles that you’ve been training and helps them recover faster.Harley Pasternak There is a broad range of edible mushrooms which remain poorly identified or even unreported which is a valuable tool as sources of bioactive compounds for bio-pharma and new dietary supplements. Those who avoid consuming animal products and may lack vitamin B12 are responsible for maintaining the myelin surrounding nerve cells, red blood cell formation, and the breaking down of fatty and amino acids to produce energy. The majority of mushroom species normally have minimal levels of vitamin B12, while plant sources do not have any at all. Shiitake mushrooms, however, have the highest concentration of vitamin B12 at 5.6 mg/100g dry weight. Shiitake mushrooms are superior to sources from both plants and animals since they have a wide range of health advantages. Shiitake mushrooms are a plant-based food that is low in fat and cholesterol, making them a heart-healthy choice. They supply critical minerals including potassium, phosphorus, and selenium as well as beneficial elements like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, lentinan, a special bioactive molecule found in shiitake mushrooms, may help the immune system. As a good source of protein, oyster mushrooms are appropriate for vegetarians and vegans who want to improve their protein consumption. They are necessary for digestive health because of their high fiber content. It is crucial for heart health, immune system, bone health, and antioxidant defense systems because of its vitamin and mineral richness. Ergothioneine is a substance that occurs naturally in a number of mushrooms, including shiitake, oyster, and white button mushrooms. Due to the possible health benefits in the body’s capacity to battle harmful free radicals, which can lower oxidative stress and inflammation, this antioxidant has attracted attention. Studies suggest that ergothioneine may enhance immune function, protect cells from damage, and enhance

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Unlocking the Beauty Secrets: The Skincare Benefits of Mushrooms

Natural ingredients are gradually becoming more well-known in the field of skin care as a result of the various benefits they offer. Mushrooms are one of them that has recently attracted awareness. Since true beauty comes from the inside out, our diet is very important in nourishing our skin. Regular consumption of mushrooms may have a number of benefits for your skin, even though we normally consider them to be food. Oyster mushrooms being a nutritional dynamo are packed with vital minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. They are great sources of B vitamins like pantothenic acid, riboflavin, and niacin, which are essential for keeping good skin. These vitamins support skin cell renewal, control sebum production, and enhance the overall texture as well as the appearance of the skin. Psoriasis, acne, and eczema are just a few of the skin problems that can all be traced back to inflammation as the primary factor in their development. Including oyster mushrooms in your diet can help you battle inflammation because of their natural anti-inflammatory effects. Beta-glucans and polysaccharides found in some species of oysters, shiitake, and maitake mushrooms,  have been demonstrated to reduce skin inflammation and soothe sensitive skin. Mushrooms contain antioxidants that can provide strong protection against environmental degradation and oxidative stress, two primary causes of premature aging. Shiitake mushrooms are highly valued for their capacity to reduce the look of acne scars and photodamage, their skin healing characteristics increase skin suppleness, promote quicker skin renewal, and strengthen skin barriers. A naturally occurring amino acid and potent antioxidant, ergothioneine is present in several fungi, such as oyster mushrooms. It has been linked to protecting the skin from harmful UV radiation which is known to harm skin and raise the chance of developing skin cancer and lowering the signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles. Ergothioneine’s antioxidant qualities may help to support the skin’s natural barrier function. Skin health depends on a robust and undamaged skin barrier because it aids in retaining moisture, preventing water loss, and providing protection from external irritants. Antioxidants can encourage a more uniform skin tone and assist in minimizing the appearance of dark patches or hyperpigmentation. You may strengthen your skin’s defenses and encourage a youthful, beautiful complexion by incorporating oyster mushrooms into your diet. The essential protein collagen is responsible for maintaining the firmness and elasticity of the skin. As you get older, the production of collagen is going to decrease and wrinkles and saggy skin will occur. Luckily, mushrooms contain copper which is an essential mineral that contributes to the formation of collagen. By frequently eating mushrooms, you may encourage collagen production and firmer, younger-looking skin. Maintaining healthy skin requires proper moisture. Glucosamine, a substance also present in certain skincare products, is a component of oyster mushrooms. According to certain theories, glucosamine may have anti-aging properties and encourage skin hydration. Even white button mushrooms in particular are high in water content, making them a hydrating addition to your diet. Adequate hydration helps to plump the skin, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and fostering a luminous, supple complexion.  Mushrooms are a useful tool in the search for healthy and bright skin, from the depths of the forest to our beauty regimens. They provide a wide range of characteristics that support healthier, more vibrant skin, from nourishing and moisturizing the skin to their anti-aging effects. Their diverse nutrient profile, which includes vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and polysaccharides, improves the skin’s health in many ways, including by promoting collagen formation, hydration, and resistance to environmental toxins. The mushrooms also help to soothe and calm inflammation, which makes them good for sensitive or irritated skin. We can discover nature’s secret treasures and enjoy the regenerating effects on our skin by including mushrooms in our meals. Discover the beauty secrets held by mushrooms and use their power to reveal a more radiant and vibrant complexion. So, the next time you’re making meal plans, think about including BETi Mushrooms to reap their internal skin-nourishing benefits and unlock their potential for skin care. Edited by- Dr.Pooja Dubey Pandey (M.Sc. Ph.D. Biotechnology) Founder Director, BETi Innovative Pvt. Ltd.

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Mushroom – A Soilless Modern Farming

Due to the changing climate, ever-increasing population, decreasing soil yield and water scarcity, there is a need for new means of farming, new technology and growing crops considered as super foods. Mushrooms have been used throughout the world for thousands of years, both as food and medicine. Mushroom is becoming very popular as a delicious food in our country too. It is a rich source of nutrition and covers a major part of healthy foods. The amount of fat in mushrooms is absolutely low, due to which it is a good diet for heart and diabetic patients. Along with this, it is rich in protein, mineral salts and vitamins, as well as 9 types of amino acids are found useful for mankind. Vitamin D is also found in mushrooms, which is helpful in increasing immunity, due to which it is a good nutritious food for vegetarians. About 37 metric tons of mushrooms are produced worldwide. Nowadays, about 0.13 metric tonnes of mushroom is being grown in our country per year, which is very less due to increasing demand and population. India being an agricultural country, we generate huge amount of residues, which farmers are not able to manage. This big problem can be solved by mushroom cultivation. Due to the use of traditional agricultural residues to grow mushrooms, the problem of pollution is also solved to a great extent. Mushroom cultivation does not require land or soil, they can be grown directly on the residue of crops or by making compost. Commercially, four types of mushrooms are produced in our country. The most popular of these is the button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), followed by Dhingri (Pleurotus species), Milky (Calocybe species) and Paddy Straw (Volvariella species). Before starting their production commercially, it is more beneficial to take training from experts before starting commercial production. Although, by creating an artificial environment (control unit), one variety of mushroom can be grown throughout the year, but due to high budget and space requirement, most of the production is seasonal. Every year BETi Innovative Pvt. Ltd. conducts (https://biotechera.com) training programs on all seasonal varieties for production of all mushrooms from which mushroom growers and newcomers can take advantage. Here the details of their production method are being given in brief. Most of the production of White Button Mushroom in our country is seasonal. It is cultivated in the traditional way. Generally, manure is made by a long method, so the yield is very low. Apart from this, more yield is obtained from the compost made in an air-conditioned and controlled unit. However, the mushroom yield has increased in the last few years as a result of introduction of better agro-technical practices. Generally, the cultivation of white button mushroom requires technical skill and compost. Among other factors, this system requires moisture, two different temperatures for seedling growth (spawn run) 22-25°C, for reproductive stage (fruit formation): 14-16°C. , Moisture: 85-95 percent etc. Pleurotus is the scientific name for oyster mushroom. In many parts of India, it is known as Dhingri. There are many species of this mushroom, for example: – Pleurotus ostreatuss, P. sajor-caju, P. florida, P. sapidus, P. flabellatus, etc. It can be started with low budget in a room of 10 x 10 ft.  at temperatures between 25 to 28 degrees Celsius.  The scientific name of the species Milky Mushroom is Calocybe. It is also known as dudhiya mushroom. It can be cultivated at temperatures between 25 to 35 degree C.  And this species can also be easily grown on the agriculture waste without making compost in a small room at low cost during the summer season. Its cultivation is very popular in South India. Paddy straw mushroom’ scientific name is volvariella and in common language it is known as parali mushroom because it is usually cultivated on straw or para. Due to this reason stubble or rice growing states like Orissa, W. Bengal Chhattisgarh, it is being cultivated on a large scale. Mushroom growing is a business that requires patience and intelligent care, and a skill that can be developed through expertise and experience. If the right species are selected according to the favorable season, then seasonal cultivation of mushrooms can be done easily throughout the year. For example, button mushroom from September to March, oyster mushroom (almost all year) from July to March and milky mushroom or paddy straw mushroom from April to August. Dr. Pooja Dubey Pandey (M.Sc. & Ph.D. Biotechnology) Founder & Director BETi Innovative Pvt. Ltd. 8839575166 //8839819024

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Biotechnologist’s Startup Turns Stubble Into Eco-Friendly Packing Material, Earns Rs 15 Lakh/Year

Indore-based Pooja Dubey Pandey launched her startup Biotech Era Transforming India (BETI) to grow mushrooms using stubble, and has since expanded into packing material Pooja Dubey Pandey from Indore, Madhya Pradesh is a biotechnologist who has worked at various research institutes, including the National Institute of Virology (NIV), during a fellowship. Her research work involved travelling to places such as Mumbai, Bhopal, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. This in turn exposed her to a variety of issues. In 2015, with ten years of experience in research, she quit her job to care for her child and returned to her hometown. She wanted to start something of her own, but her aim was not to find a new job. Instead, she decided her work will focus on two issues — lack of nutrition in marginalised communities, and pollution caused due to stubble burning. For a solution, she zeroed in on mushrooms, which come with high nutritional value and can be grown using stubble. “I worked on mushrooms during my postgraduation and PhD. This, coupled with numerous visits to farms, taught me a lot about the value of mushrooms,” she tells The Better India. So today she is addressing both these issues with her startup, Biotech Era Transforming India (BETI).ADVERTISEMENT Eco-friendly packaging from stubble With limited funds at her disposal, in 2016, Pooja decided to convert her basement into a laboratory to yield high quality spawns and cultivate mushrooms. “In 2017, I formally launched BETI,” she says. “Working in government institutions with resources and advanced technology is a unique opportunity. However, research work in the lab takes years to reach the beneficiaries. The startup was the only way to work directly with beneficiaries and share my expertise, thereby offering immediate results,” she explains. The 38-year-old began cultivating mushrooms using stubble, and selling them in the market. “I used whatever knowledge I had gained during my postgraduation, which also taught me about how stubble can be used to grow mushrooms,”she says, adding that this way, farmers could prevent stubble burning. She also started roping in farmers, offering high quality spawns to help increase their income. However, she soon realised that the mushroom packaging involved the use of styrofoam or plastic, a conventional practice among the community. Wanting to find a more environmentally viable solution, Pooja then went back to her drawing board. Using her biotechnology skills, she created an innovative, eco-friendly packaging material made from stubble. “I used pathogens and bacteria to decompose stubble. The decomposed matter was processed and converted into simpler compounds, which made it easier to bind. The material obtained was used to give the desired shape,” she says. “I also received funding of Rs 5 lakh from the Central government for the project. I took the product to farmers and asked them to replace the existing packaging material with the biodegradable alternative,” she says. Aiming for larger impact Pooja adds that so far, she has connected with 300 local mushroom farmers who use the packaging. “The packaging is handmade for now and costs Rs 5 per piece. However, mass production can reduce the price further,” she says, adding that reducing the production cost will attract more farmers to use the material. Chandramohan Choudhary, a farmer from Betul, says that his income from mushrooms had been suffering since 2019. “The COVID-19 lockdown affected the produce and supply chain. Moreover, the spawn quality was also poor. Pooja helped me get high-quality yield mushrooms and kits, which in turn has helped me revive my farming activities,” he adds. Chandramohan says that apart from summer months, when growing mushrooms is unfeasible, he earns Rs 25,000 a month. The entrepreneur has also used the mushroom to make value-added products. “I have devised a mix to replace unhealthy noodle masala in the market with healthy alternatives by using mushroom, moringa and other herbs. It helps control diabetes, weight loss, and cholesterol,” she notes. Pooja says she is working to increase her product range by using healthy herbs and superfoods such as chia seeds. “The COVID-19 pandemic has made people more aware of their health and the need to boost their immunity. Since mushrooms provide Vitamin D, it becomes the only source of the nutrient for vegetarians,” she adds. “I hope to further my impact by working with more farmers to increase their income, address the issue of nutrition deficiency, and mitigate stubble burning on a large scale,” she adds. Edited by Divya Sethu 

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सूखी पराली की लुग्दी से तैयार किए डिस्पोजेबल बर्तन, बढ़ेगी किसानों की आय

प्रदीप ने बताया कि पराली को पानी में डुबो कर एक से दो दिन रखने के बाद उसकी लुग्दी तैयार की जाती है। लुग्दी से आसानी से डिस्पोजेबल बर्तन तैयार किया जा सकता है। ‘आम के आम गुठलियों के दाम’ और वह भी उस पराली के लिए जो पूरे उत्तर भारत में प्रदूषण का प्रमुख कारण बनी हुई है। अब यही पराली किसानों के लिए आय का साधन बनेगी। रायपुर स्थित इंदिरा गांधी कृषि विश्वविद्यालय में संचालित एग्री बिजनेस इंक्यूबेटर में इंदौर के युवा दंपती प्रदीप पाण्डेय और पूजा पाण्डेय ने पराली से डिस्पोजबल बर्तन तैयार किया है। साथ ही, एग्रो स्टार्टअप भी शुरू किया है और किसानों को इसे लघु उद्योग के रूप में स्थापित करने के लिए प्रेरित कर रहे हैं। मालूम हो कि फसलीय अवशेष विशेषकर पराली का निस्तारण बड़ी समस्या बनी हुई है। कुछ जगहों पर किसान इसे जला देते हैं, जो प्रदूषण का बड़ा कारण बन रहा है। प्रदीप पाण्डेय बताते हैं कि ऐसे में हमने प्लास्टिक से तैयार डिस्पोजेबल को चुनौती मानते हुए पराली से डिस्पोजेबल बर्तन तैयार किया है। यह स्वत: गल जाएगा और इससे खाद भी बनाई जा सकती है। प्रदीप ने बताया कि पराली को पानी में डुबो कर एक से दो दिन रखने के बाद उसकी लुग्दी तैयार की जाती है। लुग्दी से आसानी से डिस्पोजेबल बर्तन तैयार किया जा सकता है। इसके लिए अलग से मशीन की जरूरत नहीं पड़ती। कागज के डिस्पोजेबल बनाने वाली मशीन से ही यह बन सकता है। इससे कप, गिलास, थाली, प्लेट, कटोरी भी बनाई गई है।

सूखी पराली की लुग्दी से तैयार किए डिस्पोजेबल बर्तन, बढ़ेगी किसानों की आय Read More »

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