Mushroom cultivation is poised to stimulate economic development, according to the Vice-Chancellor o
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, has advocated for the cultivation and commercialization of mushrooms to bolster the nation's agricultural sector and contribute to its economic development.
Highlighting the remarkable potential of mushrooms, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that this product offers a sustainable income source, thanks to the job opportunities it generates, in addition to its nutritional value.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), Ishaya made these remarks during the inauguration of a five-day workshop on mushroom cultivation, organized by the African Centre of Excellence in Phytomedicine Research and Development (ACEPRD) at the University of Jos. The event took place at the Mushroom Training School Farm and had the theme "Mushroom Cultivation and Commercialization: Hands-on."
He further explained that the value of mushrooms served as the primary motivation for the ACEPRD workshop, which aimed to equip participants with both the knowledge and practical skills necessary to tap into these untapped potentials.
Ishaya expressed, "Engaging in the cultivation and commercialization of mushrooms will play a substantial role in enhancing sustainability within the nation's agricultural sector and will also contribute to its economic development."
He continued, "Mushroom production offers a dependable income source through the job opportunities it generates, attributed to its nutritional value. This is why UNIJOS is committed to providing citizens with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to unlock the untapped potential inherent in mushrooms."
In characterizing mushrooms as the "kitchen's treasures," he underscored how mushrooms have gained prominence as a culinary delight and for their medicinal properties.
He stated that the workshop package encompasses enlightening sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive dialogues, providing participants with the opportunity to delve into the nuances of mushroom cultivation. This includes selecting the appropriate species, comprehending the optimal growth conditions, and effectively commercializing their products to transform their expertise into a flourishing business.
The Vice-Chancellor commended ACEPRD, led by Prof. Abraham Dogo, for orchestrating the workshop. He emphasized that the workshop should prioritize knowledge dissemination, cultivate collaboration, and encourage networking.
He further urged participants to share their experiences while fostering partnerships that will prove advantageous for their mushroom cultivation ventures.
During his keynote address, the General Manager of the Plateau State Agricultural Development Programme, Ishaku Jilemsam, emphasized the diverse value of mushrooms, highlighting their potential to promote good health and longevity.
He noted that mushrooms have been a part of human history dating back to ancient times and, in certain cultures like Greece, they are even used as beverages during ceremonies.
Jilemsam expressed his gratitude for UNIJOS's commitment to advancing agricultural development in Plateau State. He assured that PADP was dedicated to supporting ACEPRD's efforts by ensuring that the research findings and knowledge acquired during the workshop are disseminated to grassroots farmers. Additionally, they aim to raise awareness among farmers about mass mushroom production and commercialization.
Prof. Abraham Dogo, the Director of ACEPRD, previously mentioned that the workshop's objective is to transform mushroom production into a successful commercial enterprise in Nigeria.
He emphasized that the demand for mushrooms is steadily rising, thanks to their remarkable versatility and health benefits. Therefore, he encouraged participants to fully utilize the knowledge they've gained.
ACEPRD was chosen as one of Nigeria's ten centers by the World Bank to contribute to healthcare development in Africa. Since then, the center has made significant strides in enhancing knowledge through research discovery, dissemination, and practical applications that address crucial challenges.
The center's research outcomes have consistently met public healthcare needs, with commercial products such as five NAFDAC-approved mushroom species, SCABIPLUS products for scabies treatment, COVID-19 tea, among many others.
Furthermore, the organization has provided training and awarded certificates to numerous Nigerian and international students who have undertaken short-term courses, as well as master's and PhD programs in Phytomedicine Research and Biomedical Specialties.
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