Technological Advancements and Future Prospects in Modern Mushroom Production: A Review

Abstract

Mushroom cultivation has emerged as a highly sustainable agricultural enterprise, capable of converting agro-industrial waste into nutritious food while simultaneously generating rural employment and income. Recent advancements have transformed traditional, low-input cultivation methods into technology-driven, precision systems. This evolution is characterised by substrate optimisation, controlled-environment cultivation, mechanisation, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring, high-efficiency spawn production, and modern post-harvest technologies. These innovations have significantly enhanced productivity, quality, and year-round production capabilities while mitigating contamination risks and labour dependencies. India ranks among the world's leading mushroom-producing countries, with production steadily increasing as consumer awareness of mushrooms' nutritional and medicinal values grows. Looking forward, modern technologies such as climate-controlled growing rooms, vertical farming systems, liquid spawn technology, automated environmental controls, and biofortification are poised to revolutionise the global mushroom industry.