An agriculture expert, Prof. Sami Ayodele, has advocated for federal government investment in Nigeria's mushroom production, citing its potential to generate substantial revenue annually and other economic benefits. Ayodele, a Botany professor at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), discussed this in an interview in Lagos.
According to Ayodele, "The mushroom sector requires substantial investment and awareness initiatives to reach its full potential and become a major contributor to the country's economic growth." The professor noted that despite Nigeria's richness in diverse edible and medicinal mushroom species, the sector remains underdeveloped. He stated that if leveraged properly, mushroom farming could substantially contribute to Nigeria's GDP through local and international markets.
"The mushroom industry has the potential to contribute up to 25 per cent of our GDP. The global demand for mushrooms is growing due to their health and nutritional benefits," he added. The expert identified technical knowledge shortages, infrastructure deficits, credit access issues, and limited public awareness as primary challenges hindering sector growth.
He emphasized the importance of targeted training, accessible finance avenues, and expert mentorship to enable the sector's potential. "A strategic and sustained approach that would include deliberate capacity-building through targeted training programs, the provision of accessible and affordable financing options, consistent access to expert guidance and mentorship," he noted.
He also stressed continuous awareness to promote a supportive environment for innovation. Ayodele encouraged private and government entities to focus on enhancing the mushroom value chain as an avenue for economic diversification and employment opportunities. "With the right policies and support systems in place, mushroom farming can become one of Nigeria's most lucrative agricultural sub-sectors," he concluded.
Source: VON
