120 farmers trained in mushroom production, ginger processing in Delta

The National Horticultural research Institute (NIHORT) has trained 120 farmers in Delta State in mushroom production and ginger processing for commercial purposes. Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIHORT, Dr Abayomi Olaniyan, said his organisation had identified mushroom and ginger as highly medicinal and rich in protein, vitamins and other minerals, capable of tackling […]

The National Horticultural research Institute (NIHORT) has trained 120 farmers in Delta State in mushroom production and ginger processing for commercial purposes.

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIHORT, Dr Abayomi Olaniyan, said his organisation had identified mushroom and ginger as highly medicinal and rich in protein, vitamins and other minerals, capable of tackling malnutrition.

Addressing the participants at the opening of the training, Dr Olaniyan noted that the food items play significant role in human health, nutrition and disease control, adding that “some mushrooms have medicinal benefits of certain polysaccharides, which are known to boost the immune system.’’

He stated further: “Before this time mushroom is picked in the wild as volunteer crop but now, it can be produced indoor in large quantity within a short period of time at great profitability.

“Mushroom cultivation can help reduce vulnerability to poverty and strengthens livelihoods through the generation of a fast yielding and nutritious source of food and a reliable source of income.’’