The Director of African Centre for Mushroom Research and Technological Innovations, Prof. John Okhuoya, has said mushroom was in demand in the United States (U.S.), Europe and Asia because of its health benefits.
He explained that African mushroom is sought after because it is now being used to produce drugs, adding that it was being recommended for the treatment of ailments such as high blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension and others.
Speaking during a one day export workshop organised by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) on mushroom development for export for growers in Osogbo, Osun State, he said the country could also earn foreign exchange from the crop.
Also speaking on the occasion, Trade Promotion Advisor of the NEPC, Akure Office, Mr. Moruf Salami, said mushroom farming would promote the economy diversification agenda of the Federal Government and also boost food production.
“The NEPC is organising this workshop to enlighten our business community on the rudiments of expert trade for economic growth. Nigerians need to tap into the multimillion dollar mushroom business, there is a huge money in this business and Nigerians should explore the opportunities.
“The importance of non-oil sector to our national economy and its pivotal role in industrialisation especially in this period of dwindling oil revenue cannot be downplayed. The intention of this workshop is primarily to expose the framers to modern ways of cultivating mushrooms to meet international standards thereby bringing out the distinct features of export business as opposed to domestic trade.