FoSHoL-Coordination/IRRI Project and the National Mushroom Development & Extension Centre has jointly organized a technology fair-cum-training for FoSHoL-NGOs field officers and development workers. It was held in the National Mushroom Development & Extension Centre in Savar, Dhaka during 9 – 10 April 2008. The purpose of the fair was to learn about mushroom production, processing, marketing and transfer technology for improvement of livelihoods of rural poor. A total of 17 participants (twelve participants from FoSHoL-Practical Action and five participants from FoSHoL-ActionAid), including six women, took part in the programme. The programme covered importance of mushroom cultivation, different species of mushroom in Bangladesh , production technology, seed production, management, storage, cooking, drying and marketing. Field visits to nearby private mushroom production farms were also included in the programme.

The programme was inaugurated and concluded through a brief ceremony in which Mr. Sheikh Md. Ruhul Amin, Project Director, Mushroom Development Project, Dr. A.T.M. Ziauddin, M & E Specialist of FoSHoL-Coordination/IRRI Project, Mr. Farrukh Ahmed, consultant, FoSHoL-Coordination/IRRI Project, resource persons and media representatives were present. In the closing ceremony four participants, including a farmer representative, spoke and expressed their full satisfaction as it fulfilled their expectations of learning about mushroom. A committee consisting of five members was formed to establish and maintain linkage with National Mushroom & Extension Centre. At the end, each participant received a completion certificate. The programme ended at 5.00 PM on 10 April 2008 followed by a brief cultural function (motivational music performed by members of Mushroom Foundation).