Mushrooms are edible fungi that have a fleshy texture and a unique, umami flavor. It is used by some as substitute for meat in soups. Mushrooms are highly exotic and medicinal plants that grow in the wild, however, farmers have found ways of making money from growing them in enclosed places.
Scientifically, they belong to the kingdom Fungi and are often classified into different genera such as Agaricus, Pleurotus, and Lentinula, among others. Mushroom farming involves the cultivation of these fungi for consumption or medicinal purposes.
As a high-value crop that is in high demand both locally and globally, mushroom farming has emerged as a profitable venture for small farmers in Nigeria and other African countries. Despite its large potential for large mushroom production, Nigeria still imports a substantial percentage of the mushrooms consumed in the country, making it an excellent opportunity for farmers to tap into.
Majorly saprophytes, mushrooms depend on decaying organic matter to produce their food. Thus, it can be cultivated indoors using agro-industrial waste, making it very cheap to produce, and subsequently yielding a high profit.
Cultivation involves the controlled growth of mushrooms in a suitable substrate under specific environmental conditions. One of the first things needed is the Substrate. Substrate is any organic matter that mushrooms can grow on.
While seeds and stem of green plant grow on the soil, mushroom grow on substrate since they are saprophytic in nature they grow on dead and decaying organic matter. Substrate may be Sawdust, Paper, maize cobs, they may be rice bran, rice husk any dead organic matter. Depending on the type of mushroom there may and may not be need for further composting. The type of mushroom to be cultivated will also determine the substrate to use, for example, Oyster mushroom will grow on any type of substrate.
There are several value chains in mushroom cultivation. First is mushroom production which is starting a mushroom farm and grow different types of mushrooms for sale. There are several types of mushrooms with different uses.
There is the Oyster mushroom which is easy to grow and highly sought after. There is also the button mushroom that popular and widely consumed. Shiitake Mushrooms are valued for their medicinal properties .Aside from starting a mushroom farm, one can venture into spawn production. Mushroom spawn is used for growing mushrooms. It can also be processed into different products such as mushroom powder, mushroom sauce, and mushroom soup, among others.
Nigeria and Africa have a huge potential market for mushroom exportation to other countries, and this is an opportunity that can be tapped into. As the mushroom farm grows one can venture into offering training services to farmers who want to start mushroom cultivation, either in person or through online courses.
Selling mushroom farming equipment, such as incubators, growing trays, and humidity control systems as well as collecting and processing mushroom waste into useful products such as compost or animal feed can also fetch income.
Advantages of indoor mushroom cultivation are many. For one, because it is in a controlled indoor environment, it allow for consistent yields regardless of external weather conditions. This also ensures that the end product are high-value gourmet and medicinal mushrooms that command premium prices in local markets, restaurants, and health food stores.
Starting an indoor mushroom farm does not require much space as one mushrooms can be grown vertically, making it ideal for urban or small-scale setups. The use of agricultural waste, such as straw, sawdust, or coffee grounds, as a growing substrate makes it a sustainable endeavor.
Many mushroom varieties grow quickly, with cycles as short as four to six weeks from spawn to harvest, a quick turnaround venture.
To start, ensure that there is adequate understanding of the mushroom species to be cultivated, as each has unique requirements. Identify the target market: fresh produce, dried mushrooms, mushroom-based products, or spawn sales.
For space requirements, choose an insulated space such as a basement, garage, or warehouse and ensure proper ventilation, humidity control (70–90 per cent), and consistent temperature (55–75°F depending on the species).
Inside the space, equipment needed include growing racks or shelves to maximize vertical space, humidifiers, fans, and grow lights to maintain optimal growing conditions. Autoclaves or pressure cookers for sterilizing substrate.
Starting mushroom farm does not require a large capital and its return on investment are on the high side. Starting small and expand as processes and customer base are as critical as partnering with local grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or restaurants to secure regular buyers.
