Innovations in horticulture, including vitamin D-enriched mushrooms, are set to be highlighted at India's National Horticulture Fair. Scientists from the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research have leveraged UVB radiation to boost the vitamin D content in mushrooms, exploiting the ergosterol present in these fungi which transforms into Vitamin D under UV light.
An indigenous UVB device was specifically designed for this purpose, with Elm Oyster mushrooms as the subject of the study. This advancement is among six innovations from ICAR-IIHR, all to be displayed at the fair commencing on March 5, under the theme "NextGen Technology Led Horticulture for Sustainable Development". The event, supported by entities like ICAR, NABARD, and the Department of Horticulture of Chhattisgarh, will feature 320 stalls across 13 categories showcasing cutting-edge technologies in agriculture. More than 500 participants are expected, with the fair facilitating farmer consultations, training, and workshops on a range of topics.
Source: deccanherald.com
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