Mushroom farming is one of the key solutions to unemployment.

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Anna Wanjala who has been growing mushroom in Voi for a year, has advised the youth and residents in Voi to take part in the climate smart crop farming.

"The crop needs no land or soil. The size of your bedroom is all you need to start. You can convert it to a mushroom farm," said Wanjala in an interview with Taita Taveta County Communication team.

She said farmers will require a substrate of dried grass or hay, maize cobs, or rice husks mixed with sawdust, molasses and calcium hydrogen carbonate.

A farmer will set shelf-like structures where the seeds packed in polythene bags will be placed. 

Once they start turning white in three weeks, open the polythene and wait for four days for the mushroom to sprout. 

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"You will start harvesting after one month and shall continue for three other months. Make sure the room is moist or cool by spraying a little water using knapsack sprayer," she added.

The harvested mushroom is packed in plates weighing approximately 500 grams which she said are sold at Sh1000. 

Mushroom which is an antioxidant, has high levels of protein, low fat content, boosts the body immunity, prevents heart diseases, growth of cancerous cells, diabetes and stimulates immune system and prevents liver degeneration.

Wanjala who is a pioneer of mushroom farming is training willing youth groups in a bid to empower them to embrace smart farming and ultimately be self-reliant.

She showcased her mushroom farming skills during the two-day 1st Jumuiya Agribusiness and Blue Economy Investment Conference which ended on Tuesday, November 20, in Mombasa County.

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