The Federal Government’s IFAD-VCDP Additional Financing in Niger State has called on rice farmers to embrace its “waste to wealth” initiative by converting rice husks and straws into substrate for mushroom production to improve their economic prospects and the nutritional well-being of farming families.
State IFAD Coordinator, Hajiya Habibat Isah, made this call at a programme titled Conversion of Waste to Wealth as Innovation in Using Rice Husk and Straw as Substrate for Mushroom Production in Bida, Bida Local Government Area of the state.
“We observed that we have a lot of rice husks and straws in Niger State, and instead of burning them, we decided to train farmers in mushroom cultivation. This programme is not only about wealth creation but also about promoting healthy food options,” she said.
She also noted that, as the first state to implement this initiative under the IFAD programme, Niger State is poised to serve as a model for other states to replicate this innovative approach.
Sharing her excitement about the initiative, a beneficiary, Mrs Priscilla Ibrahim, said: “The training on mushroom production has been an eye-opener for me. I’ve learned that I can improve my financial status by converting waste into wealth. I am eager to start my own mushroom farm and share my knowledge with others.”
Omale Philip, another beneficiary, emphasised the nutritional benefits of mushroom cultivation, saying: “Mushrooms are a healthy food option, packed with minerals and vitamins. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills I have acquired through this programme and committed to putting them into practice.”
Mrs Fortune Abidemi Femi, a resource person for the mushroom production programme, explained that despite having limited experience with mushroom cultivation, the trainees have shown a remarkable willingness to learn.
“We have provided them with seedlings to practice at home, and we are already seeing the results,” she stated.