By Petronella Sibeene
HENTIES BAY
Mushroom growing is providing a new means of survival for unemployed youths and women in the Erongo Region.
Production of this highly nutritious macrofungus has become popular in the region with dozens receiving training on how to grow what remains one of the most expensive vegetables on the market.
Fabian Mubiana, a researcher and trainer from the University of Namibia Sam Nujoma Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre in Henties Bay, told New Era that the unemployed women and youths in the Erongo Region have discovered mushroom growing as a way to earn a living.
He said last year about 11 women and a man received training in this relatively new field and are now earning an income through running the Tulongeni Mushroom Project.
Fifteen others were trained last week in Swakopmund and 30 are undergoing a one-week training course that started today in Usakos.
Mubiana said three of those trained last year today supply mushrooms to food chains such as Spar and Pick ‘n Pay.
On average, growers sell a kilogramme of mushrooms for N$50 and others charge double the price.
Those farming mushrooms at present produce about three kilogrammes a day.
However, for one to be successful, the produce should at least be 10 kilogrammes a day, he said.
“An average family can survive from the earnings if a farmer produces 10???_?_’???_?’???_???