Journal of Contemporary Issues in Business and Government

Abstract

Nowadays, mushroom cultivation is one of India's most productive and profitable businesses and
encourages employment. It is getting popular gradually because, in a short time, it converts farmers' hard
work into a remarkable profit. Despite a favorable climate and low-cost labour, India has witnessed a
lukewarm response in its growth. At present, India's total production of mushrooms is 0.13 million tons. The
paddy straw mushrooms stand sixth among the mushrooms, biologically known
as Volvariella volvacea. These edible mushroom cultivated and consumed extensively in Asian continents all
throughout. Often these are available in fresh conditions in the regions they are produced. Still, their quality,
quantity, and packaging efficiency while reaching the customers is a significant concern for this sector's
profitability and sustainable growth. India is reported a lukewarm response in its development, so has
Odisha. A nondescript village, Kutenpadar in Odisha's Kalahandi, reputed for starvation death in the '80s, is
now a role model for socio-economic growth and women empowerment. However, scientific understanding
still has a long way to go! The current study was conducted via questionnaire among farmers in four zones of
Odisha. To infer the zonal variation of Odisha in terms of quality, quantity, and packaging efficiency,
rigorous statistical analysis such as significance test, ANOVA, and post hoc testing were used. The four zones
have considerable differences in quality, quantity, and packaging efficiency, with packaging efficiency being
the main reason.