Mushroom Farming – A Silent Agro-business & Money Spinner

Mushroom Farming – A Silent Agro-business & Money Spinner

Many Nigerians cannot identify mushroom especially the youthful generation. Years ago it was a regular component of meals both private and in regular restaurants. At a time it seems that mushrooms disappeared from the markets, homes and meals. However, since the recent back to agriculture campaign, the positive and lucrative potentials of Mushroom cultivation and consumption has been brought to the front burner.

Saying that Mushroom farming is profitable is re-echoing the obvious. Not only is its cultivation lucrative, it is one of the cheapest plants to invest in in the agro-business world. Let’s commence our discuss by stating that Mushrooms are a direct alternative to vegetables. When vegetables are not within sight, Mushroom can do better.

Mushrooms are direct source of natural plant protein. They contain zero fat and no cholesterol content. Nutritional analysis is of the fact that they contain lots of amino acids perfect for the human body. Today a long list of the elites and diet prone individuals opt for it even at an exorbitant price. Just be a little conscious of the menu booklet of some high class eateries and you will only but nod. May be this is why Mushrooms are found easily in a place like Shoprite in Nigeria.

Mushrooms are seasonal plants all over Nigeria. They are easily found in our forests and in some backyards mostly during the rainy season. Thus, you are most likely to find them as from the month of April till September. Its seasonal availability is one of the major reasons that makes it an exceptional lucrative investment.

For the few farmers who will opt for Mushroom agro-business targeting your harvest during the core dry season is a technical lee way to smile happily to the bank. This plant remains in high demand both locally and foreign. When targeting the dry season bumper sales, Mushroom farmers ought to have them ready by November. Having it readily available by November till March brings an experience worth repeating.

Something is unique about investing in Mushroom farming, be rest assured that it is a quick yield farming practice. However, it requires its own peculiar technicalities in this modern era. You need to also know the specie of Mushroom to plant – today Oyester rules in the market. Looking at the average cost of taking off a Mushroom farm, about N100,000.00 [One hundred thousand naira] start-up capital will be enough.

Mushroom farming is one of the agro-businesses you can comfortably do at your backyard all year round. The wonderful thing is that anybody can do it at a commercial level – students, employees, young people and even the retirees. Many people have successfully done. Many people have successfully done its cultivation at the balcony of their living apartments. A space of about 5 – 10 meters is good for a start. In Nigeria today, the Oyester species is the best recommended for farmers. Its peculiar taste and unique aromatic flavor is its selling price. Hygiene is key in Mushroom farming. Humidity must be average – if it gets high, it breeds fungi while if it gets too dry, it reduces production drastically.

What do you need to commence a profitable Mushroom farming in Nigeria – small structure, the Mushroom substrate and pesticide. Organic pesticide is the best for Oyester. In a space of about four months, your Mushroom is due for harvest. As at 2018, 30 kilograms of Oyester Mushroom sells for N60,000.00 [Sixty thousand naira] at wholesale price.