A biomass-fed sterilizer for mushroom growth media is being developed by the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Davao, in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda). The aim is to decrease post-harvest losses for oyster mushroom production.
The biomass-fed sterilizer is designed and patented by DA for research purposes and will be fabricated by Tesda sometime in August of this year.
Afterwards, a six-month study will follow. The study will be utilized to determine the heat efficiency of the machinery.
Most of the mushroom farmers are from Davao del Norte. Their produce is commonly sold in Bankerohan Public Market and other grocery stores and supermarkets.
DA added that the sterilizer will be fuelled by up to five sacks of rice hulls per loading to produce steam.
The equipment, which is mainly used to help the farmers in Davao del Norte is planned to be commercialized in a bid to support other farmers and entrepreneurs in the region. Also, it is said to be upgraded to be used as a multi-commodity dryer.
Source: sunstar.com.ph
