HOUSEWIFE TURNS MUSHROOM FARMING INTO PROFITABLE VENTURE WITH UNIMAP'S EXPERTISE

Arau, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- A housewife from Arau has turned oyster mushroom farming into a profitable venture, earning RM2,000 to RM3,000 a month with support from Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP).

The Driven for Community project started in 2021 with grants from the Perlis Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development Fund Programme and involves 24 participants from Arau, Kangar and Padang Besar.

Roszaini Azlina Che Rusle, 32, shared that she began growing mushrooms on a small scale in 2020, earning only a few hundred ringgit a month before joining the project, which she believed could help villagers raise their family income.

“With the opportunity to expand my oyster mushroom business, I am now earning RM2,000 to RM3,000 per month and I now have my own mushroom house,” she told reporters after the launch of the mushroom farming project today.

The event was officiated by Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (TERAJU) strategy delivery division senior director Mohd Najib Jaafar and attended by UniMAP vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Zaliman Sauli.

The oyster mushroom farming project uses Internet of Things (IoT) technology developed by UniMAP, enabling participants to monitor and control the humidity, temperature and moisture levels in the mushroom houses optimally.

Roszaini Azlina expressed her gratitude to UniMAP and TERAJU for giving her the opportunity to engage in mushroom farming with advanced technology, which has helped improve crop yields.

“Alhamdulillah, my harvest has been increasing, and I hope to continue growing this business in the future,” she said.

Echoing similar sentiments, a lorry driver from Padang Besar, Jantan Mahadi, 42, shared that he has been able to supplement his income by cultivating mushrooms.

“I started growing oyster mushrooms in 2022 and never expected it to turn into a steady source of additional income. Now, I earn between RM2,000 and RM3,000 a month from mushrooms alone,” he said.

Jantan viewed mushroom farming as a great opportunity for young people to venture into.

“Rural areas are very suitable for mushroom farming because it requires a large space. In addition, my interest in mushroom cultivation makes it the right choice for me,” he said.

He added that the technological support provided by UniMAP had brought about a significant change in his mushroom harvest.

“Previously, I used traditional methods that were less effective. But with modern technology, I am now able to increase my yield and make the farming more profitable.

“I hope more young people will explore this agricultural sector, as it offers additional income and great potential for growth,” he said.

-- BERNAMA