UNICAL VC calls for increase in mushroom production

The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has called for an increase in mushroom production in Nigeria, saying it has a high medical value.

Obi says that mushroom is beneficial to health and has the capacity to invigorate the human body.

She made the call on Tuesday in Calabar while declaring open a three-day workshop organised by the Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife Resource Management on ‘Mushroom Production’.

The VC was represented at the workshop by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Michael Okom.

Obi urged the Faculty to consider the establishment of a mushroom farm, since it is now a multi-million product that is currently in high demand due to its medicinal benefits.

Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Walter Binang, said the training on mushroom production was apt and timely as the world was moving towards organic production and consumption.

Binang assured participants that skills and knowledge acquired in the training would enhance their financial strength as it would become part of their multiple streams of income.

The guest lecturer, Prof. Augustine Ogogo, spoke on the theme: “Untapped Potentials of Non-timber Forest Products: Mushroom; a Source of Income, Human Nutrients and Environmental Safety”.

Ogogo stated that mushroom had high nutritional value while its production had become a huge source of income for those in the business of production.

“Cultivated mushrooms have now become popular all over the world. Mushroom can even be seen and sold along major roads in Cross River.

“Mushroom are ready in markets, both fresh and dry; mushroom can be found in Cross River, Nigeria and the world at large,” he said.

Ogogo explained that mushrooms could be grown on the soil, rocks, dirty decayed woods or oil palms.

He added that mushroom was globally known for its low fat and high protein value.

Ogogo urged the participants to fully embrace the training and start a mushroom farm with a view to supplement their diet and earn additional income.

He said that an individual could key into any part of the mushroom chain; production, preservation, processing, marketing and exporting.