In its effort to further promote food security, the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (SIPAG) launched its second mushroom production training at the Villar SIPAG Farm School in Bacoor City, Cavite.
Aspiring mushroom producers flocked the registration area as early as 8 am for the two-month training with classes scheduled every Tuesday, 8am-12nn.
The partner for this second round of mushroom production training will be Myrna’s Miraculous Mushroom from Trece Martires City, Cavite. Trainors will teach the upcoming mushroom farmers on how to culture the tissue of mushrooms, spawn preparation, taking care of growing mushrooms, creating mushroom by-products and preparation of the mushroom farm/house.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will also discuss marketing strategies, business set-up and product labeling and packaging.
Villar SIPAG has always been a staunch advocate of livelihood training programs especially those that promote food security and food sustainability.
Last December, Villar SIPAG also linked up with the Bureau of Plant Industry for the first mushroom culture and production technology training for backyard planters and budding entrepreneurs.
Villar SIPAG Managing Director Senator Cynthia Villar said that by teaching the Filipino people on the proper ways of mushroom cultivation and production, they are not only encouraged to become urban farmers but are empowered as well to contribute towards food sustainability as well as provide them with opportunities to become small-scale entrepreneurs.
Mushroom takes center stage in the training as it boasts of medicinal properties and a great source of protein and various micronutrients.
And because mushroom cultivation takes only a short period of time, it could generate income quickly for the mushroom farmers.
However, the mushroom cultivation trainees are adviced that they need to keep in mind all the lessons that the mentors will be providing them to ensure that they are able to cultivate their mushrooms properly.