DILIMAN, Quezon City—The latest free seminar of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) offered the public an opportunity to gain knowledge, skills, and attitude (KSA) necessary in mushroom production and processing.

With the help of experts from the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) Siniloan Campus, some 490 individuals learned about the importance of KSA in growing and processing mushroom.

Stressing the need to innovate for a healthier environment and sustainable livelihoods, Lolita Viyar and Editha Perey of the LSPU shared the university’s System of Total Rehabilitation of Agricultural Waste, or STRAW, program. This initiative supports climate change mitigation and adaptation with mushroom production and vermicomposting as the major agri components.

Viyar further talked about good production practices for successful mushroom-growing, “Mushroom growers should have a clean body, a clean place, and a clean heart. Losses will occur if cleanliness is neglected.”

She, likewise, showed examples of good production practices in the preparation of potato dextrose agar and fruiting bag and other related activities. In addition, she stressed that the mushroom production venture needs adaptability, dedication, discipline, and honesty.

“Start small and practice more,” she told the participants who came from different areas in Metro Manila and neighboring regions.

Mushroom processing technologies, on the other hand, involved a demonstration on how to prepare mushroom tempura out of fresh oyster mushrooms.

ATI Director Alfredo Aton graced the activity. He said that the free seminar was held in recognition of the economic value of mushroom in food sustainability for Filipino families and improvement of livelihood.

The participants expressed their appreciation for the undertaking. Alejandro Torres, Jr. from Alicia, Isabela said that mushroom-growing addresses the aim for food sustainability. He also encouraged his fellow participants to use their learning from the seminar to expand their mushroom venture.

The ATI’s Partnerships and Accreditation Division spearheaded the free seminar in line with the Institute’s aim to capacitate stakeholders on the latest agriculture and fisheries technologies. This was held at the ATI Rural Development and Education Center last February 8, 2019.