Aggie NorMin promotes mushroom cultivation as alternative income

In a bid to promote mushroom production as a viable source of additional income, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) conducted a two-day Package of Technology (POT) Training on Mushroom Production on August 6-7, 2025 at the Camiguin Polytechnic State College (CPSC) in Catarman, Camiguin.

Spearheaded by the agency’s National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), the activity gathered 30 farmers, CPSC students and staff from the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Catarman.

Participants were taught on the cultural management practices of mushroom production.

DA-10’s Research Center for Hillyland Development (RCHD) Mushroom Production Project-in-Charge, Decheryvie P. Largo, shared that the initiative is a promising livelihood option for local communities while contributing to food security.

She noted that mushroom can be grown anywhere, provided that appropriate growing conditions, suitable substrates, and proper knowledge are in place.

Largo furthered that mushrooms are among the most sought-after vegetables, especially by vegans, and continue to enjoy strong demand both in the local and global markets.

Participants engaged in lectures and hands-on activities covering spawn preparation, substrate bagging, sterilization, incubation, care and maintenance, post-harvest operations, and identifying common pests and diseases.

This initiative forms part with the DA’s plan to achieve food security through boosting agricultural production to ensure accessibility to affordable and nutritious food. # (AMBM, Photo credits: NUPAP-10)