Mushroom Industry in Malaysia: Technology, Issues and Challenges

Mushrooms are fungi that have been known since time immemorial not only as
high protein traditional vegetable/food but as food that has profound health
promoting benefits. Recent scientific studies are now confirming their medical
efficacy as well as identifying their many bioactive molecules. Though there are
over 2 000 edible fleshy mushroom species worldwide only about 100 are
cultivated. The cultivation technologies available range from conventional
sawdust logs to high technology methods where even the environment for the
mushroom’s growth is highly regulated to ensure the production of quality
mushrooms. In Malaysia, mushroom has been cultivated since the early 1970s
and the dominant variety is the grey oyster. In recent years and with increasing
awareness, mushrooms have now been declared as industrial crop by the
Ministry of Agriculture. Many new species are being cultivated and this poses
several challenges including suitable technologies that will ensure a viable
mushroom industry. This forum will provide the platform to dscuss and share the
issues, challenges and initiatives needed to promote the industry.