March 30, 2024

BANGUED, Abra – Different farmers associations here will produce oyster mushrooms all year round with the support of the local government unit and other agriculture stakeholders to help boost their income and ensure increase of food availability and sustainability.

This is made possible by a production technology introduced by the Office of Municipal Agriculturist and the University of Abra. 

Municipal Agriculturist Marites Dacuyan Balling said the project is funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development through the technical assistance of the University of Abra as the implementing agency.

Raw materials were turned over recently.

Eight farmers associations are benefiting from the project, namely Ubbog Lipcan FA, Cosili West Bangued Abra FA, Sirmata iti Cabuloan FA, Sappaac FA, Agtangao FA, Sao-atan FA, Sunrice Providers FA and Macarcarmay FA, which started harvesting their own produce of oyster mushrooms last month.

Aside from the provision of mushroom fruitings, the University of Abra also provided production training assistance to the farmers.

“Throughout the year, you can produce these cultured mushrooms regardless of the season. That’s the difference from the native mushrooms which can only be harvested during rainy season,” Balling said.

The oyster mushrooms, which can be cooked in various recipes, are sold at P250 per kilo.

Bangued Mayor Mila Valera led the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the University of Abra to strengthen their areas of partnership on this joint project for the welfare of Abrenian farmers.

Valera also reported the LGU has already incorporated the Oyster Mushroom Science and Technology Based Intervention in their municipal plan for the appropriation of funds. – Christian Allister Tubadeza