To elevate the serum vitamin- D levels of the deficient population
The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana has entered into an agreement with Nature’s Bestow, Dehradun for commercialisation of Vitamin-D enriched mushroom powder technology.
Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research and Ashwani Kumar Sharma, Partner, Nature’s Bestow, recently signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). This technology has been developed jointly by Dr Shammi Kapoor, Dean, College of Basic Sciences-cum-Registrar, PAU and Dr Sonika Sharma, Associate Professor, Department of Food and Nutrition.
“Mushrooms are super food with huge benefits. There is glut production of mushrooms in winter season and being a perishable crop, there is a need for value addition at commercial level. Processing of mushrooms will make them available throughout the year for better revenue generation”, said Dr Shammi Kapoor.
“Mushrooms are the only vegetarian food which contains Vitamin-D and the quantity can be enhanced by exposing the mushrooms to UV radiations and sunlight. UV treated button and oyster mushroom powder is rich in proteins, fiber and ash content as compared to other flours. Vitamin-D enriched mushroom powder is a food based approach that would help to elevate the serum vitamin- D levels of the deficient population”, said Dr Sharma.