SRI AMAN: Mushroom farming can provide a lucrative income as mushrooms are in huge demand locally.
According to Gerempung Indu Dayak Sri Aman (Gidsa) advisor Norina Umoi Utot, the industry has potential to grow.
“Therefore, the production of mushrooms from local entrepreneurs needs to be further enhanced to reduce the country’s import rate.
“The role of mushrooms as a short-term crop is seen not only to reduce this, but also to provide a lucrative income to those involved in this industry,” she said when officiating at a mushroom crop course at Rh Banseng Rokiah, Empelanjau Bukit Balau Bakong recently.
A total of 20 participants attended the one-day course organised by Gidsa in collaboration with Balot Agrotech.
“The cultivation of mushrooms does not require a large area but the use of waste materials such as wood dust so it does not require a high cost.
“The harvest can be commercialised in a variety of products such as fresh mushrooms, canned mushrooms, frozen mushrooms, mushrooms, instant mushroom soup and more. It also has high medicinal value,” she said.
Norina thanked Gidsa chairman Bonnie Langkop for helping to bring such a course to residents in the area.
“Looking at the high potential, I hope entrepreneurs around the area are cultivating their idle land by growing mushrooms.
“I also hope that more people, especially women and youths, will venture into this field and emerge as successful mushroom entrepreneurs,” she said.
Participants were taught practical and theory. They were also exposed to mushroom cultivation techniques, and visits to mushroom farms.
