Turning Trash into Treasure: Utilizing Sericultural Wastes in Mushroom Cultivation

Sericulture, an agro- based industry, generates substantial biodegradable waste, which, when repurposed, can significantly enhance mushroom production. This study explores the innovative transformation of sericultural waste into nutrient- rich substrates for mushroom cultivation, addressing global food insecurity and waste management challenges. The study also highlights the versatility of mushrooms, particularly oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.), in utilizing diverse lignocellulosic wastes. It delves into the nutritional superiority of sericultural by-products over conventional substrates and their potential to reduce environmental pollution. The review underscores the economic and ecological benefits of integrating sericultural waste into mushroom cultivation, contributing to sustainable agriculture and a circular economy. Future directions emphasize the need for optimizing substrate composition and further research to maximize the yield and quality of mushrooms cultivation on sericultural waste, paving the way for a sustainable and profitable synergy between sericulture and mushroom farming.