Mr. Zheng Ruijin, an agricultural expert from the China-Rwanda Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center, introduces Junkao in Lubona, Butare, Southern Province, Rwanda on April 6, 2024 (Xinhua/Dong Jianghui)
In the Kabwe district of Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, mushroom factories are operating in elaborate detail and are full of life. Two workers carefully mix the mushroom grass powder, cottonseed peel, and water in a blender, while the other operates the bagging machine so that each culture tube is filled with the perfect mixture for mushroom cultivation. I did so.
KIGALI, April 20 (Xinhua) — In the Kabwe area of Rwanda's capital Kigali, a bustling mushroom factory is operating with precision. Two workers carefully mix the mushroom grass powder, cottonseed peel, and water in a blender, while the other operates the bagging machine to ensure each culture tube contains the perfect mixture for mushroom cultivation. I made it to be fulfilled.
“After we sterilize the tube at high temperatures, we inoculate it with the fungal strain in a sterile environment. It takes about 35 days for the mycelium to grow throughout the tube, after which it is ready for planting,” says workshop owner Leonidas Musimiimana. he explained. .
Mr. Leonidas Mushimiyimana, owner of a mushroom factory, is interviewed at his workshop in Kabwe district, Kigali, Rwanda, on April 5, 2024 (Xinhua/Dongjianghui)
Mushimiyimana, a 42-year-old father of two, shared his journey from graduating from university to becoming an entrepreneur, driven by a desire for stable employment and a search for the right opportunity.
His breakthrough came in 2013 thanks to cooperation between the Rwandan and Chinese governments. Through this partnership, Mushimiyimana received training in his Juncao technique at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in southeast China.
After returning to Japan, Mushimiimana established DEYI Ltd. and began his business in mushroom production. Within two years, his business expanded and his current workshop was established, supplying mushrooms to Kigali and exporting to neighboring countries such as Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Jun grass, a hybrid grass cultivated through decades of Chinese scientific research, has emerged as a multifunctional agricultural resource.
Zheng Ruijin, an agricultural expert at the China-Rwanda Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center, said, “Junkao is known as the “herb of happiness'' in Rwanda.''
Besides mushroom cultivation, its leaves, stems, and roots are used in ecological treatments to combat soil erosion and desertification, and serve as feed for livestock and poultry.
Engineers working at the China-Rwanda Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center in Rubona, Butare, Southern Province, Rwanda, April 6, 2024 (Xinhua News Agency/Dong Jianghui)
Since its establishment in 2011, the center has supported over 50 companies and cooperatives involved in mushroom culture tubes in Rwanda. Conducted 47 training courses and enlightened nearly 1,800 local residents on his Juncao skills.
The technology currently benefits over 4,000 Rwandan farmers and facilitates the creation of over 30,000 jobs along the agricultural value chain.
Mushimiyimana credits Chinese agricultural experts with technical support throughout each stage of the business. Currently, in his workshop he employs 10 full-time workers, and during the busy season he adds 45 temporary workers.
“I have also hired 10 young people in different areas to collect and sell mushrooms and further expand the market,” Mushimiimana said.
Mushimiyimana highlighted that the mushroom business is affordable at just 500 Rwandan francs (approximately 39 US cents) per tube, which provides a high profit margin. This convenience allows even housewives to cover living expenses and children's education expenses with their own income and start a business with minimal investment.
Nyambo Obed shows mushrooms grown at his workshop near Muhanga, Southern Province, Rwanda, April 6, 2024 (Xinhua News Agency/Dongjiang Hui)
Nyambo Obed, a 34-year-old entrepreneur from Muhanga district, echoed Mushimiyimana's sentiments. Obed, who has been engaged in mushroom cultivation for more than five years, employs 11 workers at his workshops in the southern and eastern provinces. He highlighted industry's role in improving nutritional diversity and employment opportunities.
In June of the previous year, Obed visited China for Juncao technical training. He recalled the experience with enthusiasm, saying, “While in China, I visited some of the big companies in the region and learned that my dream was a reality. It motivated me to put even more effort into this effort to create a.” people. ” ■
