The Federal Government’s IFAD-VCDP Additional Financing project in Niger State has urged rice farmers to take advantage of its innovative “waste to wealth” initiative by repurposing rice husks and straw for mushroom production.
This aims to enhance the economic prospects of local farmers while improving the nutritional well-being of farming communities.
The call was made by Hajiya Hadizat Isah, the State IFAD Coordinator, during an event titled “Conversion of Waste to Wealth: Innovation in Using Rice Husk and Straw as Substrate for Mushroom Production,” which was held in Bida, within the Bida Local Government Area of Niger State.
Hajiya Isah highlighted the abundance of rice husks and straw in the state, noting that these agricultural by-products are often discarded or burned, causing environmental hazards.
She emphasized the importance of shifting from waste to a resource by teaching farmers how to use these materials to grow mushrooms.
“Instead of burning the rice husks and straws, we decided to train farmers in mushroom cultivation. This initiative is also about promoting healthier food options for our people,” she explained.
Niger State is the first to adopt this innovative approach under the IFAD programme, and it is set to become a model for other states to follow.
One of the programme’s beneficiaries, Mrs. Priscilla Ibrahim, expressed her excitement about the new skills she has gained. “The training on mushroom production has been an eye-opener for me,” she said.
“I’ve learned how to transform waste into wealth, and I am eager to start my own mushroom farm. I also look forward to sharing the knowledge I’ve gained with others in my community.”
Another participant, Omale Philip, highlighted the nutritional value of mushrooms and how the practice of cultivating them would benefit not just his finances but his health and the health of his family.
“Mushrooms are packed with essential vitamins and minerals.”
“I am grateful for the skills I’ve acquired through this programme, and I am committed to applying them in my own life, he said.”
Mrs. Fortune Abidemi Femi, a resource person for the programme, praised the trainees for their enthusiasm despite having limited experience with mushroom cultivation.
She noted that they had already started applying what they learned, with promising results.
“We’ve provided the farmers with mushroom seedlings to practice at home.
“The positive outcomes we are seeing indicate that they are not only learning quickly but are also ready to make a success of this initiative.”