Farmers trained on mushroom production
SAN JOSE, Antique – Farmers from different barangays in Sibalom, Antique have undergone training on mushroom production as a livelihood endeavor to increase income.
The Farmers Information Technology Services Center in Sibalom spearheaded the training attended by 30 participants from eleven barangays who are interested to learn the processes in mushroom production.
Marcelo Villavert, an entrepreneur engaged in mushroom production was the resource person who gave substantial discussion on the nutritional value and market potential of the said product.
The participants were given hands-on demonstration, film showing, reading materials and guides on planting and growing mushroom to ensure they have the skills and knowledge in undertaking the technology for a better production and marketing.
Villavert emphasized that to be a good mushroom farmer, skills and knowledge learned from the training should be practiced in their farms or even in backyards.
Meanwhile, mushroom is a delicacy and is really accepted as vegetable. Mushroom growing requires little space and time and farmers can make use of their rice straws following harvesting. Mushroom can be grown the whole year round provided a good storage of rice straw is prepared.(EntrePinoys atbp)
Dry rice straws and banana leaves are the most common types of bleeding materials. However, other materials like cotton wastes, jute sacks, corn stalks, water hyacinth, sugar baggasse and abaca waste materials may also be used for bedding materials.
Sufficient water supply and soaking tank or any similar container are used. Plastic sheet of gauge No.6, empty cement bags and sacks are used to cover the beds.
Junel Pineda, Officer Incharge, Office of the Municipal Agriculturist of Sibalom lauded the active participation of farmers in the training as well as the support of FITS Center and University of Antique as partner agency for Gabay Techno Program. (AELavega/ OPA/PIA)
