I am Serem Sila, 28 years old, from Kenya. I am sustainable agriculturalist, and permaculture designer by profession and also agriprepreneur.
My project is about growing mushrooms. Mushroom farming is so fascinating by the fact that it has high nutritional value, can be farmed out of waste that means cheap to produce and surprisingly fetch high price in market.
The value of producing one kilogram here in Kenya is $1.25 and that kilogram sells at least $6 that makes it the highest gross-margine agricultural enterprise.
I will grow mushrooms in bagass maize cobs, animal manure which are readily available locally. Kenya produces 500 tonnes of mushrooms annually and her demand is 1200 tonnes want to reduce this gap .
Mushrooms grows from variety of substrate which are locally available, requires small space, it doesn’t require use of chemicals making it eco-friendly. All this facts makes it affordable to all social classes that really what motivates me.
I will achieve all this by setting up a commercial model farm where we pay attention to every details in providing right humidity, temperature and high standard hygiene. I will dedicate maximum time it deserve and observe self discipline. I will do extensive market research to get right market.
I have already identified the mushroom type to grow. I have already carried out trials to identify its challenges. Now I know every detail of its challenges ranging from diseases to pest I also know the facts of its success. I got traditional structure and land to build on. Muliro university mushroom center help me in research and trials.
The measure of success will be measured on how the project is making the difference in the community i.e. providing employment, offering a worth it alternative protein and mostly important how many kilograms are we making it available to uncertified growing Kenyan market.
I have divided funds in to three phases in accordance to implementation of the project
Phase one:
Time frame: 4 months, Amount $2500
Activity: Improve structure; install water system, installing steaming drums and building shelves
Phase two:
Time frame: 2 months, Amount $1500
Activity: collection of substrate material, seeds and planting.
Phase three:
Time frame: 4 months, Amount $1000
Activity: routine management, harvesting packaging and marketing.
Blogpost and picture submitted by Serem Sila (Kenya) – sseremsilasila(at)gmail.com
The content, structure and grammar is at the discretion of the author only.
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This is the way to go and Kenyans should embrace it. well done sila.
Billy thanks bro
Good work sailas ni kimaru church. Member
Silas hope you see,its so wonderful when African agricultural preffesions are actually are enganging in practical agriculture not waiting for white collar jobs ..lead the way and others will follow
Well done sila that a good project
Okey thank Kimaru..how are you?
Thanks
Good work Silas keep up the good work.
Thank you
Niaje bily umepotae sana?
Wow what a nice project sila. I love it
U can be mushroom farmer too
were you nt among founders of that project? ALLAN.
I was my guy ..we were among who participate in planting
This is a great effort, the way for African youth to prosper is by being enterpreneurs. I love what Silas is doing.
Thank u
Hope when you will be in office you will encourage more of this..youths should know that agriculture has the least risks especially in our county .
This is good Silas, this is the only way for African youth to be part of the changing world. This is a great initiative, thumbs up.
Thanks
This is what we called creating employment
Mosbei..for sure
BRILLIANT IDEA. this is going to expand opportunities for Kenyan youth and entrepreneurs to grow. above all create employment to many jobless Kenyans. i support the initiative wholeheartedly
Yea true chumba
i look forward to this accomplishment
I wont be far…soon
Me too
Great work, thanks
Thank u!
I will always support best ideas.Innovation is key in agriculture in a country yearning for food security and diversity.All the best Sila Serem
Thank you Joshua
all the best bro
Thank sis
great stuff there bro
Felix..thank you
This is commercialisation of science which must be encouraged. Keep it up Silas.
Cheison..feeling realy inspired..how is Germany?
Hi cheison?
But it should have limitation sir..we must care about our environment too
I support the innitiative because it is going to create employment for youth in the locality.
Cele..for sure,when was the last time you ate mushrooms?
Long time ago. I will come for some.
The best entrepreneur .youths needs to emulated this guy.he has done great.self employment is a sure way of earning money. #sila serem
Mmh thanx lagat
Youth must learn something from this guy
The government too should create opportunities or avenues for such great ideas to be actualized,I believe there are many youth like him.
wishing him the best
Sila lagat..i need your prayers
hello silah….wondered if i can get ua contacts…i really want to start the project and i wld appreciate for your guidance. thank you in advance
You have my full support bro.
Jeruto…thanks
Serem has the drive and know-how to do this. I really believe he will be a success. In fact, he already is. Not only does he have a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and a permaculture design certificate, but he has the land and other resources on which to grow the mushrooms. This YAP grant will give give him the added boost to get his entrepreneurial venture going. The world needs Serem!
I am committed to help him succeed.
Miriam..u hv said it all!! Thank u
Me too i think he can deliver..he seems kind too
Great he will deliver
Permaculture????
Great idea all the best as you aim higher level
Thanks..Essy
Kazi nzuri
Hapa ndo hustle imenifikisha
wow! that’s a nice practice Silas all dah best wish to join you…
Caren do u need nice mushroom recipe?..let me know through here
Exemplary creativity there……good work
Kipkemboi.. I think so hehe
YAP Proposal #35: “Mushroom Farming” (Serem Sila, Kenya)
Brilliant idea that will increase food security and nutrition in our country and even create job opportunities for the youth and women once the idea is sold out to many.
Youth around here are soo excited of it…i think they will join me
Yes,women and youth are left behind hope Serem will integrate more women in his project.
This is a brilliant idea Silas ! it goes all the way into making the region an agricultural hub..
True
You have my full support young entrepreneur, all the best!
Mkenya…okey
Great idea Silas….this will go alongway in creating employment to fellow youth and wealth to Nandi County!
Yessss!
nice job brother. if we encourage our population to consume it then the demand will be higher.
Ngetich..have been doing that
Mushrooms are good source nutritional benefits. All the best
True
wonderful project!!
Heather..sure it is.
brilliant idea that I believe will employ many entreprising youth. Hope it wins the challenge
Amen
Great work Sila all the best
Rael..thanks!
A very good idea
Am happy to hear that!
It is a good initiative that will make a difference in society. All the very best Sila.
Thank u Rotich
True..it will we should support this guy by actively participating here.
Yeah and you guys should emulate him
It is a good initiative. all the best silas
Thank you!
Good work Sila, keep it up.
Sure i will..thank u
A great idea worth supporting so to be a model of what the young people can explore in this century.
Yea true!
Bringing science to agriculture especially to Africa
Yea sure..we should.
A great idea worth Supporting, it can be a model to be replicated by many other young people.
this is a well baked idea whose time as come. Kudos mr serem. waiting eagerly to see your project taking off. wish u all the best
Thanks limo
Good Silas..
Thanks
Bravo sila, you will never go wrong with agribusiness
True
Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice and always takes place in the framework of high expectation. You inspire me cuzo, I wish you all the best.
Am happy to learn that!!
How much by kg?
Rutto…for fresh it goes for ksh 800.
A brilliant idea indeed !! You win this & our community wins.
Choge…sure!
Serem, are you holding oyster mushrooms in the photograph?
Miriam..yea its two days old oyester mushrooms
Two days old is that size?..mmh it must growing realy fast.
Korir we should diversify what we eat also
my girl is calling it meat!
Good job!
Cynthia..thank you
Chebungei..mushroom has the best nutrition than any other source of protein
Keep up the good work. It is encouraging
Rutto…for fresh it goes for ksh 800.
That must alot of mushroom..how many mushroom are those?
Koech its not that much as you imagine
Good work there/
Big thanks
Very innovative idea, gone are the days we depended on naturally sprouting mushrooms that took a year or even more to spring up. thanks to you!
Gone kabisa hehe
I wonder if Serem farm local mushroom species
Gone are those days,i miss those days it was really going round the village collecting mushrooms
What a great initiative. It will benefit so many people. Thank you for your good work, Serem! I endorse this project.
Thanks..big love
Good job brother! Keep it up.
Thanks
How much for a kilo?
Am selling at 800 when its fresh
Keep the fire burning! Way to go!
Okey point taken!
how do you grow the mushrooms?
Have posted
This is a viable project. Use local available local materials as much as possible. Involve extension office for further advice.
Recommend one if you knw
I love mushrooms. Do it bro we shall learn from you
Where do u source your mushrooms?
nice work Silas…fully behind u till u accomplish UA dream.
Thank u.. U will always find me here
Way to go buddy. Sustainable development.
Sawa boss
Silas, this is a great initiative. So, where do you see yourself in 5yrs with this project?
Am seeing myself running a successful multi-millions mushroom company wth hundreds of mushroom farmers..am seeing myself touching lives especially the handiccaped
Thats what in my back of my mind..i wanna make mushroom farming pride of the county.
amazing bro
Thanks bro!
Good question.u need the following..susbtrate, lime ,seeds,molusses,chickmass,methylated spirit,cotton wool and bags of your choice it can be sugar bags etc…first mix molusses,chickmass lime in water,20litres takes a kilo of each.sprinkle this mixture on a dry substrate till its saturated then add chickmass.steam it for atleast two hours leave it to cool then but it into the bag of your choice.add your seeds..1 kilo of seeds plants around 20kg of substrate.create a small opening at the top of the bag,put cotton wetted with methylated spirit at the entrance of the opening.this opening wth the help of pipe ring.now place the bags on shelves and wait for one month to harvest your mushrooms
Is it okey for me to use sawdust?
You can use it but i dont recommend, it doesnt sustain long production
It seems so complex a lot of things are involved
this is the best idea from our youth keep it going bro
Thanks bro!
wow silo am realy proud of u,u are doing a great thing
Thank you..let me knw when u need mushrooms
this is the best idea from our youth keep it going bro we support your great idea
Yea lets be job creators.
wow silo am realy proud of u,u are doing a great thing,i know ul bring a positive change to this country
good work silo keep it up
good work silo keep it up i know u can do it
Thanks for believing in me
Mushroom farming is of the principals of permaculture..#no waste.
Amen
Who will be purchasing your product, your mushrooms?
I will sell them locally..pple now know am doing mushrooms which is very nice.
Be patient i will answer you questions when its posted… kindly
This is now great….an entreprenuer. I love this. All the best.
Thanx..when are u visiting
will let you know..i might visit on next weekend. good job
This is an noble idea….Great inovation.Keep it up,we support you fully
thank sange!
good work silo keep it up u are doing a great job
Thanks
Arange nd bring at this weekend! i like promoting such indeligent nd hard working menz!
I will..u are my big customer thanks for the support
This is what we call creating employment and thinking outside the box I believe ur destined to greatness well done…. Tell us more about why u believe ur project deserves the funding? How can it change the life of the ordinary Kenyan?
I deserve funding coz we realy need such projects..population is growing land is constant,we need enterprises that can utilise small space and still has high returns and ofcourse we need better protein
Mushroom can be farm by anybody..require less capital..to produce one kilo only cost u around 150..it could ordinary mans goldmine
How will you be transporting your mushrooms? Will you take them to the village on a certain day or will you create a produce stand at your home?
Good work silas..this is a good initiative and a good motivation to the youth worldwide
Kamia mushrooms kesho
Gud job silas am interested too….ua location pliz need to visit and see how its been done coz naona ata after explaining si shiki bado
congratulations sila,good work
Thank you!
This is a Korean recipe for oyster mushrooms that looks very tasty and simple. I can’t wait to try it. Too bad I live so far from you, Serem Sila!
YIELDMakes 8 (as part of a korean meal) servingsACTIVE TIME15 minTOTAL TIME1 hr
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound small oyster mushrooms (any large ones cut into 1-inch pieces), stems trimmed
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
PREPARATION
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Sauté mushrooms with 1/2 teaspoon salt until golden, about 8 minutes. Add vinegar and sauté until evaporated, about 1 minute. Season with salt, then transfer to a plate to cool. Serve at room temperature.
Cooks’ note:
Mushrooms can be made 4 hours ahead and kept at room temperature.
Its sound yummy!..i will prepare and serve media personality on monday i will keep you posted hehe
I tried this recipe though i didnt use vineger and it was wow!
Thank you for sharing this!
I need mashrooms
Where are you?
A very impressive project.I know u’ll achieve your plans.
Thank you!
A very impressive idea.I know you will achieve your plans.
I believe i will.
A very impressive project.I wish you the very best as you set to achieve your target.
I will create farm stand at my home..Miriam i didnt tell u this have found guys who buy mushrooms to feed hiv positive patients to somehow recover immunity.
Really? Does it boost immunity?.. I will let my grandma know this
Great innovation bro,will you take your idea beyond the skies please….
Sure..thanks bro
Congrats!!
Big thanks..i will bring you mushes when you come home
Guys if u were wondering where to get good mushroom recipe..Miriam Newman have just shared Korean recipe.
Thanks Newman!!
Have check it out..it possible to use mushrooms in place of fish in sushi
This is simply perfect…Your brilliancy is worth emulation…If this goes on well,you’re headed for success…just expound for us on your market preference
True..levis i dont get u abt my market preference?..customer preference is freshmushroom…mmh okey best market available.
Your project seems to embrace environment friendly ways of farming….I hope there’s zero use of artificial fertilizers or rather environment unfriendly associated activities…please tell us about this
I dont use any fertilizers instead i use chickmass and molasses to feed fruiting mushroom.
Environmental sustainability is key in this centuary. keep it up!
Permaculture is the future.
Looking forward to seeing success in this wonderful project
I will make sure it does.
great idea
Yea it is.
wolan iyo project iko juu
Thanks sana
great proposal
Thanks victor!
Brilliant bro iyo hustle iyo iko wagwan….
Thanks sana bro!
Co granulation sila, that’s impressing job and recommendable creativity that young and energetic youth should follow…… We will pray for as you grow big wings to fly hight…..God uplift the work of your hands high.
Wow thanks sana mchungaji!
Nice project silas…You’re destined somewhere
thank u sna
Thankx for your job you have done.
Thank you.
Great.simply great..
This is good Silas. I am interestd in mushrooms. Should get in contact with you
It will be my pleasure..where are you?
Its my pleasure..where are you?
That’s good mr serem,
Thank you
I luv mushrooms,gud work bro
Happy to hear you love mushrooms.
Bravo! Keep on,God bless you,
Thank you.
Yeah! This project has the power to impact the lives of so many! Not only will nutritional diversity be influenced but also diversity of crops for farmers in the region. Having a shingle example of success inspires others to take food soverignty into their hearts and hands. And increased acceptance and demand for mushrooms is great for Sila as he continues to developed his skills and starts preparing his own spawn which would make his business even more valuable.
Yeah true..thank you
Silas I read you source spawn from University near you its wise for you to develop your spawn,it will make your project more sustainable.
You are on the right track.
Thanks for encouragement.
thank you!
Great idea keep going
thank you!
Good work silas!!
thank you Julie!
I knew you are doing something good well done
hehe am trying
Hey Sophia when are coming back to our village
Simply great!!
thank you!
Kazi nzuri, endelea ivo ivo
asante
Nice proposal it deserve funding.
sure!
How can i get your mushrooms?
just call
0724337760
Siloo!!! uko sawa all the best
asante sana
Are those oyester?
yea they are.
Mmh am interested in mushroom too, how can i contact you?
call me 0724337760
Okey nice.. I save this hehe
Go for it silas..have learn something too.
nice..definitely I’ll go for it
Nice project! I love fungi.
I love fungi too
Can i visit your farm in April?
sure you can.
Self employment, all the best!
thank you!
I never imagine mushrooms can be farmed.science will realy kill me..all the best
hehe its possible.. thank you though
many consider its farm by rich but anyone can do it
U realy know how take care of customers you were very promt to my order! i got it ! thank. come for your cash.
thank you I’ll come for it
awesome idea, all the best
thank you
This is encouraging! young people should take up to farming using the available resources. Indeed agriculture offers great opportunities to the young people. Thanks Serem for taking this step.
thanks sir!
Hi, brilliant idea worthy of implementation.Plus you are the youth to propel Kenya forward.
Sure i will.
nice work bro I guess you can teach me how it works
I will be more willing to help you.
i like the the project,where do you get spawn ?
I get my spawn at the nearby university..if you are interested in mushroom you can find at the university near you.
nice project. do any artificial fertilizers applicable?
Yeah its appleacable…but me i dont use fertilizers i use chickmash and molasses instead.
fantastic project Sila.
thank you
kudos Serem nice project
thank you
does it have any disease?
Yea it has disease which suffocate spawn ..its called greenmould its caused by contamination of substrate or spawns
so greenmould affect mushroom too..how does it spread?,is it servere?
hehe thank u.
yea through Facebook..I’ll inbox you my contacts
kazi nzuri hilo
asante
why do you use chickmass?
Its not chickmass hehe its chickmash..this is to provide food to mushrooms
Otiene ww u can’t use chickmass ..ww nawe
I feel inspired,good proposal
Okey i feel good to inspire you..we can change the world togather
nice project bro!
what is permaculture?
Permaculture is a lifestyle where we try to live with nature not aganist nature..we observe how nature work and mimic it generally protecting nature so that it can protect us.
Where can i train for permaculture?
Good project.does mushroom farming have any challenges?
main challenge is greenmold and attention in case you are working somewhere else
where did you get mushroom farming idea? am proud of you.
Have liked mushrooms for many years my grandmother introduced us to it..late last year an American inspired me to farm it.
Mushrooms for lunch today?? wonderful project
Hehe nope..i did that yestaday with media guys.
I seggest you read more mycology books,it can help you add more knowledge about mushrooms.
Okey thank you!
well done nd also encourage all the youths to do so
I will..i think winning this competition will realy encourage them
Have alway like fungi,how long does your mushrooms take to mature?
From planting to fruiting stage it takes 5-6 weeks then usualy it take 4 days to mature
I know of someone who has done mushroom farming for many years, he can realy help you
How can he help me..mmh i get u yea he must have much experience in mushroom..i will appreciate .
Hi you got nice project.does mushrooms have diseases and what is the remedy.thank you
Greenmould remedy keep good hygiene
Its good project..how much do Muliro university charge to train?
They charge 15000 for full coarse
This is a challenge to other youthful people.Serem i see mushroom house is much darker i think you should allow much light.
what might be the reason to why mushrooms house is dark Sila
Yes it should be lighter but right now the humidity here is so low so i did this to keep moisture a little bit high.
yea but it doesn’t have much negative effect..am doing so to try and modify humidity we are in hot month
How old are those mushroom?is it their full size?
they are two days old..its not full size, in full size they are a bit big
After harvesting your mushrooms do you add value?or you just sell straight to the market
currently I sell them to market but in future I will add value
Have heard much about mushrooms,i feel pressure to do mushroom farming.will you help me?
I will help where i can.i think have posted much about mushrooms it could realy help you.
Wish you all the best!!
thank you
Am not familiar with oyester i know much about white button it is simple and easy to farm you should consider farming them..you can find how to farm over the interenet.
okey thank you!
Are aware that mushroom tends to absorb metals which some are harmful.you should be careful choosing your substrate.
yea am aware..I will carry tests to determine that.
Good!!!
How are these mushrooms preserved? Traditional method applied?
I dry using a dryer..my market doesnt take mushroom dried directly with sun it affects its quality.
Are you doing large scale farming? What is the distance bettween this mushrooms (i mean spacing)?
This is a great project Sila.Keep it up!!!
I sell them straight to the market but in future i will add value
Awesome project, best of luck!!
Thank you so much.
Wow nice man!!..i would like to contact you.how much capital do i need start?
just small capital..may be something like ksh5000
creative and innovative mind at work. congratulation, keep it up. we know agriculture is the backbone of our economy in Kenya and through search intensive research and innovative mind that we shall prosper.
Yea true agriculture is backnone of our country..thank you.
for how long will mushrooms take to be mature?
It takes 4-6 days after germinating
where do you find market of this produce?
My big market are pple around me,they realy like mushrooms
to start this project will require how much Sila?
its wise to start small ksh 5000 is enough if you got the structures already
traditional one is good
When are we seeing you on Tv?..good work serem
hehe I will let you know thank you
how do I reach you Sila I need mushrooms I love eating?
nitumie friend request ndo tubonge sawa?
I have an idea..many ppe want to know about mushroom farming why dont you organise trainings in the village?
anybody interested in the village is free to visit my farm and learn something its nice suggestion though thank you
You should organise farms and form a cooperative it will go a long way in helping community around
have been thinking of that too
.ofcoarse I will
Its a brilliant.If you need more help financially try Uwezo fund they too can fund your idea.
thank you for sharing that..God bless you
Am doing mushroom too,am in Nairobi currently am farming white button,i did oyster for one year and left it.i like what you are doing lets change Kenya to mushroom nation bye
sure let’s do so..thank you
You will go far young man,kenya need such crop of youths all the best
amen thank you
This can be of help http://www.fungi.com
thank you I will visit it in a while
Serem Sila, have you taught others how to grow mushrooms? Perhaps that could be part of your business…selling the spawn to others. What are your thoughts?
yea I could do that to add extra cash ..nice idea thank you!
Do you have market strategy? How will you deal with your competitors?
yeah I got..simple I’ll treat all my customers as a king and always offer right prices.
Good work!!good project silo!
thank you!
Ghai! So vile ulipotea ulikua unafanya kitu poa ivi?..keep it up!
nikuhustle thank you
Which county are you from? You deserve praise.
hehe am from Nandi county
I pray for you to get funding ,am willing to volunteer in your project
wow thank you,welcome to my farm
If your proposal goes through how many tonnes of mushrooms are you projecting to produce?
mmmh at least 20 tonnes a season..I will try to make this.
Termites feed on mushrooms.do you face termite problems?
Good initiative keep going!
thank you so much
All the best!! How did you know about GFAR?
thank you..my friend pass it to me.
Good work.i like the idea
Good job. This is the way to go.
true I really face it when spawn was colonizing substrate but I don’t I used anti-termites
asante SNA thank you.
Good work all the best Serem!!
thank you
Paul Stametz discusses 6 ways mushrooms will save the world, at TED talks: https://www.ted.com/talks/paul_stamets_on_6_ways_mushrooms_can_save_the_world?language=en
Wow what a discussion thanks for sharing am a big fun of Paul wish one day to meet him.
Wow point taken!
Why dont you use bio-degradable bags or renewable bags to avoid situation dealing with waste in future
Mmh okey.. Any suggetion?
Can you share your farm website?
Biwott am a small scale farmer i dont have but i will build one soon.
mushroom farming is a new enterprise how is the reaction of community around?
True its new enterprise here in kenya especially in my village,people were suprised most of them upto date want to see mushroom seeds or spawn.some have opted already to go mushroom way.
mushrooms are low in calories,fat-free,cholestral-free,gluten-free and very low in sodium yet they provide important nutrients including selenium,potassium 8%,riboflavin,niacin,vitamin D and more
low in sodium? it nice for someone with highblood pressure.
sure it is.
How do you feel so far? Do you see the prize? Do u feel like you can win this thing?
I feel nervous i feel i dont have enough comments but am confident am among the winners
Guys am here to learn from you also.how can i control snails and rodents without neccesary killing them?
Beer trap and salt can help you
Beer trap and salt can help you
hehe so they too drink beer?..I’ll try
Change your watering schedule snails prefer moist earth as it is easier for them to travel over and they can move faster
okey this is a tough one
You can use beer trap,sprinkle crushed eggshells or salt all this can help try one by one and settle on that prove helpful
nice thank you for sharing
This is chemistry,copper repels snails due to reaction between the metal and mucous,this sends the snail an unpleasant electro-neutral signal which basically feels like an electric shock.
thanks for taking us back to our chemistry classes..nice contribution
Can mushrooms be planted with any other crop? if so which crops are likely crops.
Mmh no..they cant be planted with other crops mushrooms grow in quit darkroom which discourage other crops to grow
this so great keep it up serem
Thank you Mulwo!
i would like to visit you to teach me how to raise one.
You are free to come i wont charge you.
Thank for such helping heart.
Such a great idea. I believe this is what should be done in Kenyan farms. A brilliant proposal from a young Kenyan.
thanks man!
i’m waiting…
ken have answered you is it?
Which American inspired you to farm mushrooms? Was it me or someone else? If it’s someone else, I’m jealous!! 🙂
Hahaha Miriam you sound funny..he was my permaculture classmate Jesse but you Mirium u hv been amazing to me all the information you are my google hehe am here because of you and if i win this its because of you am lucky to have you as friend.
Your project is wonderful. Mushrooms are lovely and wonderful things. Best of luck to you and good wishes!
thank you
mmmh mushroom farming is so interesting but really good for youth cos they still have a lot of extra time to concentrate on this activity. thanks Sila for pursuing in such a project despite a lot of challenges go a head God is with you
Thank you so much mum!
Serem you can use beer trap..put some beer in a basin outside the structure beer smell attracts snails and slug.they will fall into the beer and drown
thanks for elaborating
I know of salt but it kills them.
true thats what am using too
You can use beer trap,sprinkle crushed eggshells or salt all this can help try one by one and settle on that prove helpful
Between, how long does it take from the start to harvest?
Thank you so much mum!
Hahaha Miriam you sound funny..he was my permaculture classmate Jesse but you Mirium u hv been amazing to me all the information you are my google hehe am here because of you and if i win this its because of you am lucky to have you as friend.
use diatomaceous earth.it a type of powdered rocks made from the fossils of tyny sea organisms.it has very sharp edges which is harmful to snails soft body
sounds expensive huh!
you either use a trap or poison such as rat and rat to kill them.
okey thank you
good work silo plan to do so too brilliant.
thank you
Serem will your project still be exist after 50 years? how is it sustainable?
I believe so..it will exist as long humans will still consume cereals or rather there is still something to decay
I saw mushrooms coffins may in 50 years you will in that line of business haha
I didn’t know there is such a huge market of mushrooms in Kenya.
now you know!
Yea thank you.. But you guys are putting mushrooms price in the skies
So, is this venture profitable from your engagement in it so far?
am two months into it and I don’t complain
This is for you Serem and anybody who need spawn.Moi university has oyster and white button spawns!!!!
thank you for letting us know. how much do they sell?
Chumutai how much do you guy’s sell one kilo
how can I identify between edible and poisonous mushrooms?
you can’t tell by just looking ..needs testing, many pple hv poison themselves with mushrooms
I still need some pliz do xo! we really enjoy it.
mmh okey
he has done so I’m one of them.
what???
have test it? I wish you could.(recipe
are you talking about Mirriam recipe?
count me one.. l included
okey!
you are in the last week how do you feel?
hehe soo nervous
though I enjoy guys comments so interesting
if you don’t win GFAR funding who will fund your proposal?
have not thought of that ..I don’t know
are you still attached to Muliro University?
nope..I only trained there
did you do permaculture coarse in America?
no I did it in Samburu
how much did it cost you to build the structure?
it cost me around 12k
who motivates you?
nature
apart from mushroom farming which other farm enterprise do you do?
I manage family farm..
if you were not a mushroom farmer what would you be doing?
I would still be farming hehe
what is the difference between spores and spawn?
spores are seeds which develop into spawn ..spawns are fibre like which spread and penetrate through substrate
where can I learn permaculture?
sadhana Kenya or laikipia permaculture centre
well done GFAR!!!!
I build 4m by 6m house and it cost me around 18k
Mmh it cheap huh
I’ll continue as a Small scale farmer
how is the competition so far? is it interesting?
soo interesting, I love reading through comments
how many types of mushrooms do you grow?
currently one..oyster
why were you doing trials? did you know GFAR were on their way?
no I didn’t know.. I was familiarizing myself with the venture
Do you think climate change has affected sprouting of natural mushrooms?
yes,in my village people used to pick mushroom all over but now its gone
is it a must to use concrete floors in the mushroom structure?
yea use..it will you maintain hygiene and keeping away termites
if I plant mushroom will you share your market with me?
we will do business ..
what is the risk factor in mushroom farming
I think market and greemmould
where can I find magic mushrooms in Kenya?
mmh I have no idea.. magic mushroom I think is illegal in Kenya.
Are your family members involve in mushrooms business?
yea soo much!
I like mushrooms is oyester mushrooms medicinal?
am not sure of medicinal value but its very nutritious
are you going to take mushroom farming as a career?
I think my career is shaping up to that,time will tell
have you endured any kind of loss so far?
yes ..a few of my bags were attack by greenmold
you talk a bout greenmould,did it affect your mushrooms?
yes a few bags which were contaminated
Greendmold doesn’t have remedy but sometimes spawns are able to overcome it.
Silas why don’t you start snail business too?
haha who will eat them.
we don’t eat snails here.I will if I find market
Snails?? Aggh!!!
which is more nutritious between dry and fresh mushrooms
are you a vegan?
with mushrooms I don’t need animal products
Do you vote for your fellow contestants ? have you checked their proposal too?
what is steaming tanks for?
you see before you introduce your spawn to substrate it has to be nothing live there,this is making sure nothing compete with spawn so you steam..that is the purpose of spawn
there are two things that a successful entrepreneur has to have.its technical ability and marketing .do you have a reliable market?
I got market I’ll try to expand ..thanks for your wise words
how much do you charge to desigh a permaculture farm
it depends with so many things..design itself,size of your…. let me say lowest is ksh5k
Serem for to be a successful entrepreneur you should put God first and you will be blessed.
amen!!
what is methylated spirit for?
its for sterilization
Sterilizing what Serem ..substrate???
GUY WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO A SUCCESSFUL ENTERPRENUAR?
where do you get bagass from and how much does it retailing for?
I source them from nearby sugar factory..its free
Mushrooms are very healthy… a worthy project but it requires good capital…
every Enterprise require capital
but mushrooms no much capital
I see its not much capital
reliable market serem
okey I always take that serious too,thank you.
having good staff and hardwork
thank you!
logistic are your product arrive at the market in time also do you produce quality product customers trust is so important
okey nice point.thank you
always honest enterprenuers always succeed
yes I think am honest
soberness and making right desicions
this is important thank you
risk taker and intelligent!
thank you!
updated record keeping people tends to neglect this.
sure thank you
hardwook Silas no shortcuts!!
yea true..thank you
for me honesty is paramount!
yea I won’t be corrupt thank you
charisma and courage!
have always been so..thank you!
ujanja jamaa..kutake ma opportunities
asante buda
hardwook!
thank you
have passion on what you are doing
okey thank you
hard work and persistent!
okey thank you
flexibility and keeping focus
thank you
success comes when you have plans and realistic targets
I got all that in my finger tips
seeing opportunity and grabbing it!
okey thank you.
master the art of negotiation
I guess this is so important thank you
build a solid rock reputation
thank you!
seeking help when needed and giving back
nice point taken
visualizing goals and success
okey I won’t forget that
managing time effectively.
yea time is money
becoming known as an expert like Bill Gates
am big fun of Gates ..thank you.
remember its all about the customer right?
okey
trust your gut and keep time in what ever you do.
I always believe in myself thank you
That is good work and it is encouraging that materials used are locally available so as you empower other let us use mashroom because they are nutrious keep it up
thank you
That is good work it is encouraging.that material is within our reach and nutrious value of mashroom is high just empower other youth also.
thank you
Mushrooms are very delicious food and can be used to solve the problem of food shortage in Kenya, bravo Sila
sure Paula thank you!
paula rono you mean you can make meal from mushroom! mmmh funy.
Goodwork Serem keep it up encourage other youths!
sure I will.
I would like to know much about permaculture all the best
sadhana forest Kenya offers permaculture coarse.permaculture is all about living in harmony with mother earth
proud of you man! reping 254 good job!
yea 254 for live!
it is my hope that you succeed so that you become a good role model not only in your village but the whole of Africa to the youth generation
sure I will.
Goodwork Silas,keep it up.
thank you!
This initiative has the potential to propel your life to the highest heights. Do you have a plan for growth and use of technology in your project?
ofcoarse I got.thank you
how can I know that mushroom is mature and does it hv any variance in terms of nutrition value
4-6 your mushrooms will be ready..if your mushrooms start turning yellowish and shrink it going bad
in every thing someone evelope to something else where will be you business after ten yeara
processing mushrooms may be
don’t forget to still pursue education Serem I see you are still a young man.
about your water system I suggest you harvest water it cheap and sustainable
mmh is it really reliable
Be determined and have confident serem you will make it, good luck Serem
okey thank you
Be determined and have confidence serem you will make it, good luck Serem
are you going to set up board to oversee the funds?
okey thank you
Hope he does.. He needs experience board of trustee
copper shelves I think are expensive ..I don’t think you gonna use it to control snails
I think so too
Serem you can hang substrate bags and just use copper hooks,its cheap option
for how long are going to SA I wanted to visit
am seeing you are going to win this..don’t forget us
I suggest you should build your farm near a town it will ease things bro
In future nice suggestion though
are you married Silas?
Please Vivian ask something relevant that can help you and some one else in the forum
why did you allocate more funds on phase one yet you already have structure?
good question.. You see my structure is small and not equipped.. Those money are more and cant accomondate all the mushroom the funds can fund so I have to improve structure and equipped it
so you project will be complete in the next 10 months,nice plan
Probably thank you
don’t build you economy on mushroom farming alone ..introduce us to other farming techniques
Thank you..point taken
there is this hype that there are certain types of mushes that can get you high is it true?
True..its called magic mushrooms ..I saw an article that argued it helps cancer patients to recover
I still wish you all the best!
Thank you
when is the date line of this forum?
13th midnight
today I just wanna say haaee? and thank everyone in this forum God bless you all.
Be blessed too
I so wonderful that everyone actually can afford to farm mushrooms ,encourage every youth to farm it okey..I know of a lady in India who have change peoples lives with mushrooms
I know her too..I look up to her thank you
vipi silo hehe wee end a hiyo SA uback unirushie ka kitu
Panda mushrooms wewe
my dad is interested in mushroom how can find you or where can he find help on mushroom farming
Okey good your dad is interested in mushroom farming,scroll through the comments you will find my number okey