Prof. Sami Ayodele, a top agriculture expert, has called on the Federal Government to invest in mushroom farming. Ayodele, who is a Professor of Botany at the National Open University of Nigeria, believes that mushrooms could bring in up to a trillion naira every year for the country.
During an interview in Lagos, he explained that Nigeria has many types of mushrooms that are both edible and medicinal. He said the mushroom industry is very profitable but still underdeveloped in Nigeria. According to him, proper investment and planning can make mushroom farming a strong part of Nigeria’s economy.
He said, “The mushroom sector requires substantial investment and awareness initiatives to reach its full potential and become a major contributor to the country’s economic growth.” He added that mushroom farming could contribute up to 25 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP. This is because global demand for mushrooms is rising due to their health and nutritional benefits.
Ayodele also listed some challenges facing the mushroom sector. These include a lack of technical knowledge, poor infrastructure, limited access to loans, and low public awareness. He advised that training programmes should be created to teach farmers how to grow mushrooms the right way.
He said, “A strategic and sustained approach that would include deliberate capacity-building through targeted training programmes, the provision of accessible and affordable financing options, consistent access to expert guidance and mentorship.”
Ayodele urged both government agencies and private investors to focus on the mushroom value chain. He explained that investing in mushrooms will help create jobs, boost food security, and grow the economy. He added that with the right policies and support systems, mushroom farming can become one of Nigeria’s most profitable agricultural businesses.
At a time when the country is looking for new sources of income, many experts believe that mushrooms could be the next big thing in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
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