Despite various ICT tools for information dissemination, melas continue to be a significant
mode of transfer of technology owing to many advantages. Face-to-face interaction, live
demonstration of technologies, learning from other growers, etc are important components
of mela. The present study was conducted to assess the impact of annual National Mushroom
Mela organized by Directorate of Mushroom Research, Solan on 10th September every year.
The increasing impact of national mushroom mela with respect to participation of
stakeholders in the mela over recent years was witnessed. Due to proximity and high
mushroom growing activity, participation from North India is significant. The meager
participation of people from North Eastern India was conspicuously observed. Over a period
of one decade, the National mushroom mela has extended its impact from provincial to Pan
India as seen by the participation from most states of the country in the last three years. The
farmers’ problems with respect to marketing, processing and disease incidence seek
intervention of the scientists to address these issues on priority. Looking at the scope of the
melas in India, they hold much more relevance for mushroom growers considering the
novelty of the crop and the special knowledge it demands for its cultivation.