In recent times, increasing numbers of young Nigerians are delving into mushroom farming, using techniques which are way different from conventional.
Etimbuk Brownson has academic background in medicine but has now taken mushroom farming as a major occupation.
He not only grows mushroom but has diversified into mushroom dishes for the public and mushroom workshop.
The traffic of consumers at his Mushroom Hangout in a Lagos suburb includes those patronizing as a result of the nutrients and health values.
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In an interview, Etimbuk explained that “Today’s mushroom farming is a soil-less urban farming technique that is grown using sawdust and other agricultural wastes like rice bran. It is grown vertically.”
Etimbuk’s farm sits on a quarter plot of land. Unlike other types of farming, mushroom does not need much land space for cultivation, and no pesticides either.
“You don’t need chemicals or pesticides to grow mushrooms. It’s an organic farming system whose duration is not time consuming.
“It takes only three months from planting to harvest. Mushroom farming uses up wastes. It conserves the environment, so that there is no pollution from chemicals.”
According to him, mushroom farming is now profitable because many have discovered its health benefits.
In addition, mushroom is capable of giving those interested considerable comfort of sorts, he said.
Etimbuk who has his farm in Lagos said “it is a good source of income and one can also earn foreign exchange from mushroom farming.”
He encourages more Nigerians individually and in groups or as government to venture into this type of farming.
He said because the health benefits are enormous, he has diversified into preparing mushroom for public consumption.
“We’re revolutionising the way Nigerians and Africans access healthy protein by cultivating organic mushrooms and processing them into NAFDAC certified products.
“Mushrooms are protein sources. This is why we have the concept of Mushroom Meals Hangout where food enthusiasts are welcomed.
“In our farms, we promote mushroom-based dishes, cooking classes and workshops, and people enjoy a healthier alternative to animal protein.”
He said, Mushroom Meals Hangout has become a hub for mushroom enthusiasts to such extent women and youths have gained employment and sustainable livelihoods.
Etimbuk added that they share knowledge about mushroom through trainings in ecosystem, tackling food security and climate action through their eco-friendly plant protein source.
He disclosed that their mushroom meets international standard, and are sold in supermarkets across Lagos and other states.
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