Introducing
Mushroom Cultivation Technology
Food and financial insecurity are becoming prominent issues facing much of the developing world. As population densities in these already resource constrained regions continue to increase, it is inherent that a source of sustainable income and a reliable food source be provided, especially to rural populations. Mushroom cultivation is an environmentally benign, sustainable source of nourishment that is rapidly growing to become a profitable sector of agriculture. Developing this sector in Zambia will be instrumental in transforming the livelihoods at a higher rate and in starting a small business in mushroom cultivation.
Mushroom Cultivation Technology
Course Details
Background
Rationale
This skill based certificate course is intended for learners who have a basic background in Biological sciences and want to apply microbiological technical skills in the cultivation and preservation of Mushrooms. Some of the contents that will be covered in this course include Sterile techniques and culture maintenance, Substrate preparation, Spawn generation techniques; Inoculation methods, Post-harvest technology and Value added products of mushroom. This course is suitable for students pursuing all Natural Science Programmes.
Code
Course CodeFees
K 3,000 per personLocation
OnlineContact
COURSE COORDINATOR Dr. Arunachalam Kalirajan, Email: akalirajan@mu.edu.zmDates
29th January 2023 – 09th February 2023Aim
This certificate course aims to cater subject-matter and manual knowledge on mushroom technology and to popularize its advantageous farm economics.
Objectives
At the end of the programme, students will be able to:
- Understand prospects of mushroom cultivation
- Gain the knowledge of cultivation of different types of edible mushrooms
- Enhance spawn production using microbiological techniques
- Manage the diseases and pests of mushrooms
- Learn a means of self-employment and income generation
- Gain Knowledge of harvesting and post harvesting processes of mushroom.
Competencies
- Skills in sterile techniques in microbiology.
- Competency in the production of mushroom spawn using culture techniques.
- Competency in crop management
- Technical competencies of Post-harvest technology
Entry requirements
All students in Natural Science Programme (Fulltime/ Part time) – Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Agriculture.
Expected prior knowledge
Basic information about fungi
COURSE DELIVERY.
Intensive two weeks of Lecturers Online via Zoom and recorded videos.
QUALIFICATION
Upon successful completion the candidates will be awarded certificate in Mushroom technology. This qualification will only apply to learners who pass the final exam and complete the assignments.
Course Content
- Introduction to mushrooms
- Common edible mushrooms
- Cultivation System & Farm design
- Sterile techniques and culture maintenance
- Substrate preparation- Straw and sawdust blocks
- Spawn generation techniques; Inoculation methods
- Cropping and Crop management.
- Post-harvest technology.
- Value added products of mushroom
- Quality assurance and entrepreneurship
Course Coordinator: Dr. Arunachalam Kalirajan
Lesson Schedule
|
Day |
Lesson/ Activity |
Responsible Lecturer |
|
Day 1 |
Introduction to mushrooms
|
Dr.Arunachalam Kalirajan |
|
Day 2 |
Common edible mushrooms |
Dr.Arunachalam Kalirajan |
|
Day 3 |
Cultivation System & Farm design |
Dr.Arunachalam Kalirajan |
|
Day 4 |
Sterile techniques and culture maintenance |
Dr.Arunachalam Kalirajan |
|
Day 5 |
Substrate preparation- Straw and sawdust blocks |
Dr.Arunachalam Kalirajan |
|
Day 6 |
Spawn generation techniques; Inoculation methods
|
Dr.Arunachalam Kalirajan |
|
Day 7 |
Cropping and Crop management.
|
Dr.Arunachalam Kalirajan |
|
Day 8 |
Post-Harvest Technology. |
Dr.Arunachalam Kalirajan |
|
Day 9 |
Value added products of mushroom |
Dr.Arunachalam Kalirajan |
|
Day 10 |
Quality assurance and entrepreneurship
|
Dr.Arunachalam Kalirajan |
|
Day 11- Day 14 |
Personal projects and final exam |
Dr.Arunachalam Kalirajan |
Teaching Methods
- Lecture using virtual classrooms
- Assessments using ICT technologies
- Zoom interactive software
Timing and schedules
29th January 2024 – 09th February 2024
Assessment Method
- Test 20 %
- Assignments 20%
- Project 60 %
Certifications
Mulungushi University certificate will be provided