Mushroom growing is one of the most attractive farming ventures based on the fact that it requires less initial capital but is very profitable.
Able Kiddu is a mushroom farmer and Director of African Mushroom Growers at Luvuuma zone in Makindye division, Kampala district.
He is one of the 2018 winners of the New Vision Best Farmer competition.
Kiddu quit his career (mechanical engineer) to grow mushrooms. With sh 200,000 he started growing mushrooms on his father’s land and he has never looked back.
Able Kiddu in his mushroom garden. Photos byRosemary Tukundane
He advises farmers on how to grow mushrooms;
Acquire knowledge from the experts, online and attending farmers’ workshops.
Know what takes to start mushroom growing. You can begin small as the business grows.
You need land to construct a grow house. If you are looking at 1000 gardens, it will cost you sh1m.
You can buy mature gardens each at sh3,000. Water the gardens twice a day.
Make sure the temperature in the grow house is between 15-25c.
In 1000 gardens a farmer will yield 1500kg, and harvesting can be done for 3 months continuously. Harvest mature plants to avoid breakages.
Market price ranges from sh5,000-8,000 per kg depending on where your farm is located.
