DAWV-OA program capacitate farmers of Cabatuan

Cabatuan Organic Farmers Association (COFPA) recently capacitated their members on a two day training on mushroom production to enhance value addition and profitability of their products.

As one of the certified Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) group in Iloilo, the training further improved the skills of organic farmer practitioners not only in mushroom production but also on processing, packaging, and extending the shelf-life of their products.

“We are optimizing the potential of the mushroom industry in order to meet the demands in the locality especially for the health-conscious consumers. Mushroom is rich in multi-vitamins, potassium, Vit B-Complex, Iron, anti-oxidant properties. It is also a good source of protein making if a good alternative for meat”, said Francis Capino.

Capino demonstrated the cultural management of different varieties of mushrooms such as White button, Shitake, oyster, tenga nang daga or black fungus, among others.

Among the health benefits of eating mushroom includes decrease the risk of cancer since it is a powerful source of ergothioneine that slows cellular damage, lowers sodium intake, promote lower cholesterol, protect brain health, provide a source of vitamin D, stimulate a healthier gout, and support a healthy immune system.

Organic program staff also demonstrated how to prepare mushroom atchara and mushroom empanada that can surely add up to the income of the COFPA farmers.###Texts and Photos by Joan N. Capaciete/DA6-RAFIS