Mushroom farming as a means to contribute to food security.

Mushroom farming implies its cultivation in an artificial environment using food by-products which is often been manipulated by the farmer to obtain maximum yields. Mushroom is fungi and generally grows on soils, rotten trees, tree backs, especially in their natural environment.

For artificial cultivation, a house is first secured where the temperature will often be regulated at particular time intervals. The following materials are used; rice husks or wheat straw, compost , shelves as they are readily available, less expensive and this equally solves the problem of limited space.

However, sterile substrate is ideal for mushroom cultivation especially the edible types and should be free from all competitive micro-organisms in order to ensure competition among them for nutrients is checked, as such should be first treated. Thereafter, the cake is made by mixing the compost with the treated straw and wet with water to form a cake which can be put in small containers or spread across on the shelve as the case maybe. This is because the quantity produce determines the size of the farm.

The spawns are then taken and can either be sown over bed surfaces in the shelves or in the bags/containers where the cakes have been prepared and should be pressed down firmly against the substrate to ensure good contact. The insertion should be done at a depth of about 2-2.5 cm deep and should be watered.

This cultivation will be best under suitable environmental conditions which may differ, from those in their natural environment but natural germination will occur and is then followed by production. Its appearance do occur in rhythmic cycles.
The harvesting of the crop normally is carried out at different maturation stages, depending upon species and ranges between 3-5 days. Harvesting period can last for about 35-42 days in some species and 60 days respectively. After harvesting, the crop can be preserved in its freshly state by the use of refrigerator or dried to reduce moisture content and packaged.

Its cultivation greatly contribute as vegetable as well create employment and increase standards of living of the people. Also, its cultivation serves as a source of income, thus we should support this venture. Its consumption equally has in stock enormous health benefits that are yet to be explored until, we have a taste of it.
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