CFPs: “Harnessing the Potential of Northeastern Mushrooms” (India)

This call for proposals invites innovative R&D projects focused on mushroom cultivation and value-added product development in India’s North Eastern Region (NER). The programme aims to advance scientific research, strengthen sustainable cultivation practices, and promote economic empowerment through high-impact mushroom-based innovations over a three-year project duration.

Overview of the Call for Proposals

The call for proposals seeks innovative Research and Development initiatives to strengthen advanced mushroom cultivation practices and develop value-added mushroom-based products in the North Eastern Region of India. The programme is designed to transform Northeastern mushrooms into drivers of scientific discovery, economic empowerment, and global recognition. Proposals are invited initially for a duration of three years and may cover multiple thematic subareas.

Objectives of the Programme

The primary objective is to promote high-quality, application-oriented research that enhances mushroom production systems and unlocks the nutraceutical, therapeutic, and commercial potential of NER mushrooms. The programme emphasizes region-centric research with scalable outcomes that support sustainable livelihoods and value chain development in Northeast India.

Key Focus Areas

Research proposals should address one or more of the following focus areas: improvement of mushroom cultivation technologies for higher productivity and resilience; development of cost-effective substrates and high-quality spawn for scalable production; exploration of nutraceutical, therapeutic, and food-fortification potential of NER mushroom species; and value addition through advanced post-harvest processing, packaging, and storage technologies.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligible applicants include scientists and researchers holding regular positions in recognized research institutions, government colleges, academic institutions, and universities located in the North Eastern Region of India and other parts of the country. Applicants from outside the NER must collaborate with scientists from the North East, with NER investigators serving as the main Principal Investigators. Applicants must demonstrate relevant research experience through high-quality publications in SCI-indexed journals.

Ineligibility Conditions

Investigators who are currently involved in five ongoing DBT-funded projects, either as Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator where they are receiving funds, are not eligible to apply. Private profit-making agencies, industries, and start-ups are not eligible under this programme. Incomplete applications or proposals that do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be considered for evaluation.

Institutional Collaboration Requirements

Proposals may be submitted by a single institution or multiple institutions. Collaborations may involve institutions within the NER or partnerships with institutions outside the region. However, participation of NER institutions is mandatory, and the centre of gravity of the research activity must remain in Northeast India. In multi-institutional proposals involving collaborators from outside the NER, more than 50 percent of the total project budget must be allocated strictly to NER institutions.

Mandatory Requirements for Government Institutions

Government institutions must submit mandatory documentation and undertakings, including compliance with the Zero Balance Subsidiary Account requirement, confirmation of no pending Utilization Certificates, implementation of the EAT module of PFMS, compliance with data submission on the IBDC portal, a copy of the DSIR certificate, justification for non-availability or need for requested equipment, and valid quotations for equipment purchase.

Mandatory Requirements for Non-Government or Not-for-Profit Institutions

Non-government and not-for-profit institutions must provide proof of establishment under an Indian statute, registration under the Society Registration Act, a copy of the Memorandum of Association, registration details on the NITI Aayog NGO Darpan portal, a valid DSIR-SIRO certificate, and audited annual account statements for the last three financial years.

Responsibilities of the Host Institution

The host institution must possess adequate and relevant infrastructure to achieve the objectives of the proposed research. It holds overall responsibility for project implementation and must ensure full compliance with all statutory requirements, norms, guidelines, and procedural obligations throughout the project duration.

Selection and Evaluation Process

Proposal selection will be conducted in accordance with DBT norms. Applications will be evaluated based on eligibility compliance, the competence and track record of the Principal Investigators, and the scientific merit, feasibility, and relevance of the proposed research.

How to Apply

Applicants must prepare a detailed research proposal aligned with the stated focus areas and institutional requirements. All required documents, certifications, and undertakings must be submitted as part of a complete application package through the prescribed submission mechanism before the deadline.

Important Deadline

The last date for submission of complete research proposals is 24 January 2026. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting proposals without mandatory collaboration with NER institutions. Failing to allocate more than 50 percent of the budget to NER institutions in multi-institutional projects. Applying while exceeding the maximum number of ongoing DBT-funded projects. Submitting incomplete institutional compliance documents. Proposing research activities that shift the core work outside Northeast India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply for this call?

Scientists and researchers in regular positions at recognized academic and research institutions in NER and other parts of India, subject to collaboration requirements.

Is collaboration with NER institutions mandatory?

Yes. All proposals must involve NER institutions, and NER investigators must lead the project.

Are private companies or start-ups eligible?

No. Private profit-making agencies, industries, and start-ups are not eligible.

What is the project duration?

The initial project duration is three years.

What budget allocation is required for NER institutions?

In multi-institutional proposals with external collaborators, more than 50 percent of the total budget must be allocated to NER institutions.

What are the key evaluation criteria?

Eligibility compliance, investigator competence, and scientific merit of the proposal.

Conclusion

This R&D call presents a strategic opportunity to advance mushroom science and innovation in Northeast India through region-focused, high-impact research. By prioritizing advanced cultivation, value addition, and institutional collaboration, the programme aims to position NER mushrooms as engines of sustainable development, scientific excellence, and economic growth.