Dr Abayomi Olaniyan, Executive Director, National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) Ibadan, says mushroom production is capable of generating revenue and employment for Nigerians.
Olaniyan said this during the opening of the three-day training on mushroom production practices, organised by NIHORT on Tuesday in Ibadan.
He said that mushroom plant was a high-value plant rich in protein and micronutrients and had other economic and health benefits.
According to him, NIHORT, under its vegetable programme, has the mandate to conduct research on mushroom production and value chains.
He emphasised that the institute would continue to do more research and train people on mushroom production, so that the country could produce more of it and export.
“Mushroom is a plant that has been collected from the wide, neglected and lost vegetable but through research, NIHORT developed how it can be domesticated.
“It can be grown commercially inside our houses and even at the backyards.
“It is a plant with high nutrition needed for both old and young and capable of improving the livelihood of people.
“I, therefore, urge Nigerians both employed and unemployed to engage in its production to better their lots,” he said.
Also, the NIHORT Head of Extension Programme, Dr Funmi Olajide-Taiwo, said the three-day workshop would cover all the different mushroom value chains.
According to her, it will cover its production, hands on experience, utilisation, production of fruiting body, processing, storage, market and profitability.
Olajide-Taiwo noted that the training could not only improve the participants’ income, but also make them wealth creators.
She urged the participants to make most use of the opportunity given by the workshop, to better their lots.
“NIHORT has experienced scientists capable of giving you the best, so long as mushroom production is concerned.
“So, feel free to ask questions, interact and participate in the practical sessions very seriously.
“We hope that by the end of the programme, you all will be self-sufficient and even be able to train others on mushroom production,” she said.
A participant, Mr Samuel Agbebaku, expressed confidence in NIHORT, saying he was ready to get the best training that would equip him to become a rich mushroom producer and trainer.
“I’m not only looking forward to making an income through mushroom production but to becoming a millionaire as I engage in it,” he said.
