Meet Etimbuk Imuk, the entrepreneur revolutionising mushroom farming in Nigeria

• Etimbuk Imuk not only grows mushrooms but has diversified into mushroom dishes for the public and mushroom workshops.

In recent times, increasing numbers of young Nigerians are delving into mushroom farming, using techniques which are way different from conventional.

One of such is Etimbuk Imuk. She has now taken mushroom farming as a major occupation.

Etimbuk Imuk, Mushroom Farmer and Entrepreneur

She not only grows mushrooms but has diversified into mushroom dishes for the public and mushroom workshops.

The traffic of consumers at her Mushroom Hangout in a Lagos suburb includes those patronising as a result of the nutrients and health values.

Mushroom Soup by Etimbuk Imuk

In an interview, Imuk explained that “Today’s Mushroom farming is a soil-less urban farming technique that is grown using sawdust and other agricultural wastes like rice bran. It is grown vertically.”

Etimbuk Imuk’s farm sits on a quarter plot of land. Unlike other types of farming, mushrooms do not need much land space for cultivation, and no pesticides either.

“You don’t need chemicals or pesticides to grow mushrooms. It’s an organic farming system whose duration is not time-consuming.

“It takes only three months from planting to harvest. Mushroom farming uses up waste.  It conserves the environment so that there is no pollution from chemicals.”

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According to her, mushroom farming is now profitable because many have discovered its health benefits.

‘In addition, a mushroom is capable of giving those interested considerable comforts of sorts,” she said.

Imuk who has her farm in Lagos said “It is a good source of income and one can also earn foreign exchange from mushroom farming.”

She encourages more Nigerians individually and in groups or as government to venture into this type of farming.

She said because the health benefits are enormous, which reasons she has diversified into preparing mushrooms for public consumption.

Mushroom Snacks by Etimbuk Imuk

“We’re revolutionising the way Nigerians and Africans access healthy protein by cultivating organic mushrooms and processing them into NAFDAC-certified products.

“Mushrooms are protein sources. This is why we have the concept of Mushroom Meals Hangout where food enthusiasts are welcomed.

“In our farms, we promote mushroom-based dishes, cooking classes and workshops, and people enjoy a healthier alternative to animal protein,” she said.

She said Mushroom Meals Hangout has become a hub for mushroom enthusiasts to such an extent women and youths have gained employment and sustainable livelihoods.

Etimbuk Imuk added that they share knowledge about mushrooms through training in the ecosystem, tackling food security and climate action through their eco-friendly plant protein source.

She disclosed that they have packaged their mushroom to meet international standards, and are sold in Supermarkets across Lagos and other states.