Photo: BSS

KHULNA, April 29, 2026 (BSS) – A three-day mushroom fair, the first of its kind at regional level in Khulna division, began today at Shaheed Hadis Park in the city under a project titled “Nutrition Development and Poverty Reduction through Expansion of Mushroom Cultivation”.

Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Monju inaugurated the fair as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the fair has delivered a new message on how mushroom cultivation has become successful in Bangladesh. He said mushroom has emerged as a profitable crop as it requires low labour, small capital investment and limited space for production.

“Earlier, we used to have mushroom soup only at renowned restaurants. Now mushrooms can be processed and marketed in various forms including cakes, powder and chips,” he said.

He said mushroom cultivation could play an important role in women’s empowerment and poverty alleviation. 

Director of Horticulture Wing at the Department of Agricultural Extension’s Khamarbari, Dr Md Hazrat Ali, addressed the function as special guest.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) of Khulna Bitan Kumar Mondol presided over the event, while Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Khulna region, agriculturist Md Rafiqul Islam, delivered the welcome speech.

Project Director Dr Akter Jahan Konkon presented a keynote paper on mushroom cultivation.

Among others, District Krishak Dal President Molya Kabir Hossain and mushroom entrepreneurs Md Anwar Hossain and Md Akkas Ali also spoke.

A total of 22 stalls representing different districts of Khulna division are displaying and selling mushrooms at the fair.

The fair will remain open to visitors every day from 9am to 6.30pm. A colourful procession was brought out before the inauguration of the event.