Mushroom Farming in Kenya,
 |
| mushroom-farming-in-Kenya, |
Mushroom farming in Kenya is a new and rapidly growing industry. The country has a long and rich history of mushroom cultivation, and the industry is growing rapidly due to the growing demand for mushrooms for commercial and domestic consumption.
Mushroom farming in Kenya is a relatively new industry and there is still a lot to learn about it. However, with the help of experienced mushroom growers, the industry is sure to grow rapidly in the years to come.
The main advantages of growing mushrooms in Kenya are the country's hot and dry climate, which is perfect for growing mushrooms; and the availability of land, which is relatively cheap.
How to Start a Mushroom Farm in Kenya?
As long as there are desirable conditions such as shelter, reliable water supply and stable temperature (15-30 degrees), mushrooms can grow in almost any region of our country. Here are the different steps you will need to grow mushrooms.
Step 1: Getting Started – A quarter acre of land is enough for beginners to set up a large farm that can produce up to 2 tons of mushrooms every 2 months
Step 2: Build A Simple House: OR You must build a simple house with mud and wooden shelves to use the available vertical space. Your local carpenter can help, and you can improvise with locally available materials to save on construction costs. Make sure the house is well ventilated to allow adequate air circulation.
Step 3 - Find Substrate - Substrate is basically the substance on which mushrooms grow. It can be forest soil, wheat straw, bean straw, corn straw or even rice straw. Make sure it is sterilized, as the slightest bacterial infection can ruin your entire farm. You will need approximately 20 straw bales.
Step 4: Invest In Nylon Bags - you will need small bags to prepare for seedlings and also large bags for final planting. Small bags like those used by traders to pack 2 kg of sugar usually cost around Ksh 100 for 200 pieces. Larger bags can cost up to Ksh 15 per piece and you will need around 1000 on a 1/8 acre farm.
Step 5: Invest In Good Hygiene: Good hygiene is important in a mushroom house. Next, you'll need to buy things like gloves, denatured alcohol, and cotton. A box full of gloves costs less than 1,000 Kenyan shillings, as much as alcohol and cotton. Other additional supplies that may be needed include straws (Ksh1, 000) and a knapsack sprayer (Ksh5, 000 Est).
Step 6 - Now Collect The Seeds - Finally you will need mushroom plants (aka spawns). The most popular (and easiest to trade) spawns are called button spawns. You can buy them from KARI or JKUAT. One kilogram of button spawn costs Ksh 1,000. 5 kilos will be enough to start. Other varieties of mushrooms you can plant include shiitake and oyster.
Successful Outcome in Mushroom Farming In Kenya you must know this | Xaxa-Farms
See Also; Making Ksh 3,000,000 with Apple Farming In Kenya. HERE
Investment and Profitability of Mushroom Cultivation In Kenya.
The initial investment is approximately a basic minimum. Take the example of growing oyster mushrooms, as this is the easiest variety to grow in Kenya. With 1 square foot of space, they could easily produce 10 kg in a year. At the current wholesale price of ksh400 per kilo, turnover should be ksh400, 000 in a 10 x 10 foot space. A small space is needed for mold growth. A garage will work well, and for those who don't have one, a mud house with a thatched roof will do. Don't forget to sign up for our weekly mushroom training sessions to learn how to make a simple mushroom house.
All of this talk might give you the impression that growing mushrooms is a walk in the park that would start right away and explode! Reap the benefits tomorrow. This couldn't be further from the truth as investing can be quite erratic. For example, the necessary substrate must have been sterilized under good conditions, otherwise the seeds will wither.
After harvest, mushrooms become highly perishable, so a market-ready post-harvest is necessary. Fresh mushrooms generally contain around 90% water. Drying them has been shown to retain their nutrients and flavor, so you can invest in drying equipment to extend their shelf life.
The Best Variety of Mushrooms to Grow in Kenya - Mushroom Farming In Kenya
Mushrooms are very popular and readily available. The downside is that they are prone to disease and infection. Oyster mushrooms, on the other hand, are tougher and more resistant to infection. In addition, mushroom substrates are prepared and grown a month in advance. For oyster mushrooms, you can pasteurize your substrate today and lay the eggs the next day.
Mushrooms are best picked fresh, which is why most are sold to local consumers. Once picked, they are delivered to local chefs, food cooperatives, supermarkets and directly to consumers in the local market.
Mushroom Farming in Kenya, Expenses and Income
On a 1/8 acre farm, the cost of building the farm, purchasing equipment and painting is KSH 230,000. If you don't have to build an entire house out of mud and can use an available room, the costs are cheaper. It will only cost you 15,000 to place the shelves and a good ventilation system. However, once you have built the farm, in later seasons you will only spend 150,000 KSH to purchase the eggs, water supply, and labor.
Mushrooms only take 2 months to mature. The 1/8 acre farm can support 1000 bags and it can produce up to 2 tons. A farmer can sell one kilo at KSH 600 to consumers and this translates into an income of KSH 1.2 million. In Kenya, mushrooms can be bought in large supermarkets at prices ranging from, for example, KSH 400 to 600 per kilogram. Pricing for individual sellers is better at KSH 500 per kilo.
Mushroom farming is profitable because you can also sell the compost once you are done using it. A 50 kg bag can be sold for KSH 2,000.
The greatest demand for mushrooms in Kenya is found in Nairobi. They are mainly grown in towns like Eldoret, Kisii and Kericho and transported to Nairobi for sale.
Tips for Successful Mushroom Farming in Kenya:
Try Mushroom Farming in Kenya, in a small farm first and see how it goes before moving on to a big farm. This way you are more likely to learn from your mistakes. Ask other mushroom growers in the area for advice and see how they do it. Find a market early to avoid disappointment, as once picked mushrooms have a short shelf life. Remember to maintain very high cleanliness standards on your farm. This is the key to successful Mushroom Farming in Kenya.
You Might Also Like; The Best Cabbage Farming In Kenya. Reviewed
0 Comments