A new mushroom initiative has emerged as a viable source of income for members of the Nadawa Methodist Women’s Fellowship. According to Nanise Litea, the group’s leader, the fellowship has grown and now includes 64 women, with some actively involved in mushroom cultivation.
Nanise has been residing in Nadawa for 30 years, and for the past two years, she has been leading the group. The recent interest in mushroom farming stems from a hands-on training program conducted at their church three months ago, where Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, witnessed the participants’ efforts.
Next week, Minister Tabuya is set to travel to further support women’s initiatives and promote the China-Fiji Juncao Technology Demonstration, which is helping train women in mushroom cultivation techniques.
As part of this support, Minister Tabuya provided the group with two cultivation machines, noting that one woman in Nadawa is producing particularly impressive results.
It takes about seven days for the mushrooms to mature, and this new venture has provided a significant opportunity for quick profits. Currently, mushrooms are selling well, and the fellowship has already seen double sales since the start of this initiative.
The mushroom is priced at $5 for 500 grams. The market has been somewhat challenging, but the group remains optimistic as they actively sell their harvest.
Nanise emphasized that the initiative not only serves as a source of income but also improves the community’s resilience. She encouraged women in the area to join the fellowship to enhance their skills in various types of handicrafts and food production, thereby increasing their income opportunities.