Button mushroom farming in Kenya is a relatively new but it's gaining popularity in the market.

The crop is highly nutritious and has a huge demand in both the local and international markets.

However, button mushrooms are also more challenging to grow than other varieties of mushrooms, such as oyster mushrooms.

In this article I'll walk you through the entire process of button mushroom farming in Kenya.

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Requirements for button mushroom farming in Kenya

1. Mushroom growing house

This should be well-ventilated and have regulated temperature and humidity levels. 

The ideal temperature range for button mushroom cultivation is 15-30 degrees Celsius, with a humidity level of 80-90%. As shown

2. Substrate: 

The substrate is the material on which the mushrooms grow. 

It can be made from a variety of materials, such as wheat bran, rice straw, or coffee grounds. 

The substrate should be pasteurized before use to kill any harmful bacteria or contaminants.

3. Mushroom Spawn: 

Mushroom Spawn is the mycelium of the mushroom that is used to inoculate the substrate. 

It can be purchased from specialized mushroom suppliers.

4. Availability of Water: 

Mushrooms need a constant supply of clean water to grow. 

The water should be free of chlorine and other chemicals.

Steps involved in button mushroom farming in Kenya

1. Prepare the substrate: 

The substrate should be pasteurized before its can to kill any harmful bacteria or contaminants. 

This can be done by steaming or boiling the substrate for several hours.

2. Inoculate the substrate: 

Once the substrate has been pasteurized, it can be inoculated with spawn. 

This is done by spreading the spawn over the surface of the substrate and then covering it with a layer of straw or other material.

3. Ferment the substrate: 

The inoculated substrate is then allowed to ferment for several weeks. 

During this time, the mycelium of the mushroom will grow throughout the substrate.

4. Fruiting: 

Once the substrate has fermented, it is ready to be fruited. 

This is done by placing the substrate in a fruiting chamber and maintaining the appropriate temperature and humidity levels.

5. Harvest: 

Mushrooms can be harvested after 4-6 weeks of fruiting.

Challenges of button mushroom farming in Kenya

The main challenges of button mushroom farming in Kenya include:

• High cost of inputs: The cost of spawn, substrate, and other inputs can be high, especially for small-scale farmers.
• Technical challenges: Button mushrooms are more challenging to grow than other varieties of mushrooms, and farmers need to have a good understanding of mushroom cultivation practices in order to be successful.
• Limited market access: There is a limited market for button mushrooms in Kenya, and farmers may have difficulty finding buyers for their crop.

button mushroom farming can be a profitable business for farmers who are willing to invest the time and effort to learn the ropes. With proper planning and management, farmers can produce a high-quality crop that is in demand by consumers