Button Mushroom Growing at Mushroom Training and Resource Centre (MTRC)

 


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Introduction

Since its establishment in 2007, Mushroom Training and Resource Centre (MTRC) has been a leader in mushroom farming, primarily focusing on oyster mushrooms. Over the years, we have trained and supported over 30,000 farmers across Uganda, helping them adopt mushroom cultivation as a sustainable income source. Now, MTRC is expanding its expertise to include button mushroom farming, marking a significant milestone in our journey toward diversifying mushroom production.

A photo of the first button mushrooms produced at MTRC as a result of trials

The Journey to Button Mushroom Cultivation

MTRC initiated trials for growing button mushrooms in 2017 with support from PUM experts from the Netherlands. These trials, led by specialists including Mr. Wim Joosten, Mr. Peter Christiaens, and Mr. Geert Lemmers, confirmed that locally available materials in Kabale were suitable for button mushroom production.

Proposed site where the button mushroom production and training facility will be established

With generous support from Rotary Club Horst aan de Maas and other partners in the Netherlands, MTRC received essential equipment and materials in March 2024 to set up a button mushroom training facility. While fundraising efforts continue to establish a dedicated facility, we have already begun small-scale production by integrating button mushrooms into our existing oyster mushroom setup.

A container at MTRC with some of the materials donated for the Button Mushroom Project
Button mushroom spawn under production at MTRC
Some of the collected substrate to be used in Button mushroom cultivation

Current Progress

To kick-start button mushroom production, MTRC has undertaken the following key steps:
? Renovated existing mushroom production houses to accommodate both oyster and button mushrooms.
? Collected essential substrate materials for button mushroom farming.
? Acquired and started producing button mushroom spawn from mother culture.
? Strengthened our oyster mushroom out-grower scheme to ensure a steady supply.
? Secured access to casing soil, which is crucial for button mushroom cultivation.
? Leveraged 3-phase electricity and water harvesting systems to support production.
? Assembled a team of 10 youth to be employed in the button mushroom production unit.

Photo of the new mushroom house at MTRC to accommodate both oyster and button mushroom. A separate button mushroom house will be constructed as soon as funds are available.

Future Plans

To enhance production and training in button mushroom farming, MTRC has outlined the following activities:
? February 2025 – Construction of a substrate mixing yard and bunker to start processing button mushroom substrates.
? March-April 2025 – Substrate preparation, including mixing and fermentation.
? April-June 2025 – Substrate spawning and transfer to grow rooms.
? June 2025 onwards – Farmer training sessions on button mushroom cultivation.

While a dedicated button mushroom production and training facility remains our ultimate goal, MTRC is confident that the first harvest will be ready by June 2025.

Join Us in This Exciting Journey!

MTRC remains committed to empowering communities through sustainable agriculture. We extend our gratitude to our partners in Uganda and the Netherlands for their continuous support. As we expand into button mushroom farming, we invite farmers, stakeholders, and potential partners to join us in making this initiative a success.

For more information, visit www.oystermushroom.ug or contact us at mushroommtrc@gmail.com.


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