First Batch Harvesting: According to the plan, the first harvest will be in mid-November and the harvests will go on up to December 2024 which will be the end of the first growing period. The yields of the first harvest are limited. The cultivation of oyster mushrooms is in an experimental phase.

For the cultivation of oyster mushrooms, substrate is collected. This undergoes various processing steps to make it suitable as a growing medium for the cultivation of oyster mycelium (oyster fungal threads). After the substrate is prepared, mycelium is added and spawn is obtained.

Farm set up: With the grant from Skills and Business for Africa we have converted our yard with a wooden barn and small canopies into a fully functional mushroom cultivation facility.

To gain more practical knowledge of mushroom farming, I decided to attend a training in mushroom farming through an organization known as Mushroom Training and Resource Centre (MTRC) in Kabale, Uganda which took place in September 2024.

The start-up capital for the company came from Skills and Business for Africa. They financed the initial costs.

For the planning of the investments a Cashflow plan with revenues, costs, investments has been drawn up. During the start-up phase € 1,300 is needed in external funds. Furthermore, the start-up phase provides sufficient cashflow for the first expansion investments. Furthermore, it appears that little income can be paid to me as an entrepreneur. For me it means that additional income must be raised. This situation will last…

Market Research Completed: I conducted a comprehensive market analysis to identify the demand for oyster mushrooms in Uganda, particularly in Kampala and the results were impressive in that the demand for mushrooms far greatly exceeds the supply. I’m looking to tap into this as I’m assured of market for my mushroom products.