Women’s Studies Centre and theDepartment of Education, Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, organised a one-day basic training on Shiitake mushroom cultivation on September 2, 2025 in collaboration with Konger Agritech, Nagaland, to equip and enhance practical skills and employability through hands-on training and interactive sessions. The training was part of the university’songoing skills development initiative for integrating practical and sustainable skills into higher education.

 

The inaugural session was chaired by a research scholar, Ms. Sharon Kikon, followed by a warm welcome address by Dr. Khotole Khieya, Director, Women’s Studies Centre. Prof. Jano S. Liegise, Dean of the School of Humanities and Education, was the special guest of the session. Prof. Liegise emphasised the importance of creating opportunities and diversifying careers by stepping out of the comfort zone and actively learning essential skills that increase employability and contribute to overall personal fulfilment and societal progress at large. The founder director of Konger Agritech, Dr. Sosang Longkumer, delivered insightful information on mushroom cultivation and its benefits, as well as its potential for both marketing and home-based ventures. Dr. Longkumer outlined different types of mushrooms, focusing on the most common varieties such as Oyster, Shiitake and Button mushrooms along with their medicinal and nutritional benefits. A detailed step-by-step process of cultivating mushrooms was also highlighted. Dr. Longkumer also stressed the importance of maintaining an ideal environment, including temperature, sunlight and hygiene, for flourishing mushroom growth. Economic advantages and practical business ideas of mushroom farming were also suggested to encourage the aspiring scholars and faculty members. The speaker concluded his session with an interactive Q&A addressing various challenges and doubts about mushroom cultivation. The programme was attended by research scholars, faculty members and non-teaching staff from various departments in Kohima Campus. The inaugural session ended with a vote of thanks by Ms. Poukenhalakliu Newmai, Research Scholar.

 

The practical session was also led by Dr. Sosang Longkumer, who demonstrated the practical steps of cultivating shiitake mushrooms. During the session, he described the kinds of logs that can be used for shiitake mushrooms, the importance of drilling holes into logs, inoculation of mushroom spawns, the incubation period, colonisation and fruiting. Overall, it was an informative and inspiring workshop with valuable insights. Feedbacks from the participants were overwhelmningly positive.

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