The Fijian government plans to develop the mushroom industry in the country through its mushroom research and development program joint collaboration with the Chinese government.Senior research officer Dr Tekini Nakidakida said mushroom was a good income generator for farmers considering there was a high demand for it in Fiji.
“Mushroom is a short-term crop which is usually high in demand in the country and if grown well, it can generate good revenue for farmers.”
Currently, about $2millon worth of processed mushroom is imported into the country every year to meet the local demand.
Dr. Tekini said that the major market for mushroom in Fiji was the tourism sector, namely hotels as well as some local restaurants.
“This shows that the market is readily available for mushrooms in the country and local growers can easily supply into these markets.”
At a recent training at their Legalega research station, forty farmers from the western division learnt the JUNCAO technology and mushroom production.
Dr Tekini urged them to maximise on the opportunity as the training was conducted by Chinese experts.
He also told farmers to assist the ministry in reducing agriculture imports by producing more mushroom for the export market.
Similar training will be held in the Central and Northern Divisions where interested farmers will be trained on the cultivation practices of mushroom in Fiji.