Mushroom production: a strategic approach in enhancing the entrepreneurial spirit in rural communities
2018
Corales, A.M. | Corales, R.G. | de Gracia, G.M.
The Philippines produces 15.2 million tons of rice that leave behind 11.3 million tons of rice straw every year (PhilRice, August 2012). Despite its many known uses, bulk of the rice biomass is still being disposed indiscriminately. The availability of abundant biomass resources such as rice straw as substrate in mushroom production and processing opens up opportunities for the development of commercial scale production in the Philippines. In 2017, market scanning was conducted in the Science City of Muñoz to determine rice straw's potential in mushroom due to its nutritional value as perceived by the target clientele. With possible alternative income, the Palayamanan Plus Project trained 28 potential men and women entrepreneurs of Kababaihang Kinikilala ng Lungsod Agham (Maligaya Chapter) and Bantug Primary Multi-Purpose Cooperative on June 2017. The training on mushroom production and processing aimed to build the capacity of entrepreneurs in agri-business ventures and enhance their participation in economic development. With PhilRice's assistance, initial materials were provided to start-up the business. Members initially sold 0.5-2kg/day within the barangay [village], and from the sales, P120.00 was divided among the producers for profit sharing and the rest goes to the seller. Moreover, mushroom production activities also created job opportunities for the members and neighboring individuals. The investment cost was recovered immediately after only five months of operation amounting to P30,411.00 and P20,691.50, respectively. Aside from additional household income, the cooperative allocated 35% of the revenue to other businesses and projects. Trained members expanded the production into their houses to support the demand of the market. Furthermore, the members were strengthened through various activities, sharing experiences, and enabling them to engage in the market. With sustainability, mushroom production can offer significant opportunities in developing rural economies, diversifying business, and empowering women on the countryside.
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