Mushroom farmers see industry blossom
by Shirajiv SIRIMANE in Hambantota
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Lecturer Dr. Mahinda Wijeratne, Senior Lecturer A.L. Sandika,
Research Assistant, Kumudu Jayabima and farmer M. Dharmadasa
with some of the products at the Hambantota Job Fair.
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For the first time, the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of
Ruhuna, has launched a major initiative to help farmers in the mushroom
sector.
The Faculty has already provided the technical know-how and training
to over 30 farmers in the area who now receive a high regular income
from growing and selling mushrooms.
According to lecturer Dr. Mahinda Wijeratne, they do regular field
visits and help farmers obtain higher yields.
"Farmers who used to get around 200 bags, today reap over 1,500 bags
and their income has increased significantly," he said.
He said in a bid spread this concept, they have joined Sri Lanka
Telecom Mobitel to provide free advice through mobile phones.
"A Mobitel subscriber dialling 8820 would be able to listen to this
advice. They can also call us and seek advice."
He said this is the first time in Sri Lanka's agricultural history
that such a concept is being carried out. "It has already become very
popular and receives many calls via the Mobitel free service."
Dr. Wijeratne said in addition to mushrooms cultivation, they have
introduced new technology so that farmers can introduce more value
addition.
One could see several byproducts such as mushroom sauce, moju, soup,
mushroom pickle, chillie pastes and dried mushrooms.
"Due to the success of this program, we have received many inquires
and we want to introduce this concept to Hambantota as well", Dr.
Wijeratne said.
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