From a farmer to a mushroom farmer, and then to the president of the Fiji Mushroom Growers Association, Seruwaya Kabubu is very proud to be able to contribute to the local community and women today.
Kabucabu is a member of the Women’s Dairy Organization in Naitasili Province, Fiji. In 2019, she led 12 members of the organization to participate in a Chinese assisted Fiji mushroom grass technology training course, gaining initial knowledge of mushroom grass technology.
On September 11th, Seruwaya Kabubu was interviewed by Xinhua News Agency in the Naitasili Province of Fiji. Xinhua News Agency (photo by Gao Xin)
For us, this is a brand new technology and an unknown field. An unexpected encounter not only provided new opportunities for me and my companions, but also changed our lives and fulfilled our dreams, “Kabucabu told Xinhua News Agency.
After completing her studies, she led local women in using mushroom grass techniques to plant mushroom grass, and assisted in guiding these women in mushroom shed mushroom management. They received mushroom bags from the Chinese assisted Fiji Mushroom Grass Technology Demonstration Center (hereinafter referred to as the “Mushroom Grass Center”) and planted them. With the help of Chinese experts, the picking and sales process can be completed in 7 to 10 days and start generating income. Mushroom cultivation is simple and easy to learn, with fast and effective results, which surprised us a lot. Under the guidance of Kabukabu, many local women took their first step towards independence with mushroom cultivation.
On September 11th, Seruwaya Kabubu (center) and local women planted mushrooms in the Naitasili Province of Fiji. Xinhua News Agency (photo by Gao Xin)
Optimistic about the prospects of mushroom and grass technology, Kabucabu has opened a small mushroom farm. She still remembers clearly that the first batch of mushrooms earned 2500 Fijian dollars (approximately 2.2 Fijian dollars per US dollar), which she used to purchase appliances, pots, food, and clothing for her family.
With the increase of income, Cabo Cabo gradually built toilets and bathrooms for his family, purchased washing machines, and greatly improved his living conditions. She also spent 1600 Fiji dollars to attend a dairy management training course. She also donated some of her income to community clean water projects, hoping to solve the long-standing problem of lack of clean water in the community.
In 2020, the sudden COVID-19 will disrupt the normal life of many people, but this will not affect the enthusiasm of Kabukabe to grow mushrooms. She said that even during the epidemic, the mushroom center still insisted on sending mushroom bags to farmers. Kabucabu also mobilized some women who had lost their economic sources due to the epidemic to encourage them to participate in mushroom cultivation projects.
In February last year, with the support of the Mushroom Grass Center, the Women’s Dairy Organization of Natassili Province established a mushroom grass technology demonstration site. Members not only planted mushroom grass, but also planted mushroom grass as feed for cows. Chop fresh mushroom grass and mix it with coconut meat powder to feed cows, which can provide the necessary nutrients for cows and ensure their healthy reproduction. As the person in charge, Kabubu became even busier.
On September 11th, Lin Xingsheng (left), the leader of the project team of the Chinese assisted Fiji Mushroom Grass Technology Demonstration Center, taught local women how to plant mushrooms in the Naitasili Province of Fiji. Xinhua News Agency (photo by Gao Xin)
Kabucabu often organizes members to promote mushroom technology to the community, introducing the nutrition and medicinal value of mushroom, and calling on people to pay attention to a healthy diet to improve immunity and prevent diseases. Nowadays, they have many loyal customers, including some large supermarkets, universities, international institutions in Fiji, etc.
Due to the mushroom and grass technology, cappuccino has undergone many changes and its own value has been realized. At the end of last year, Kabubu was elected as the President of the Fiji Mushroom Growers Association, dedicated to fully exploring the mushroom market in Fiji. The mushroom grass technology not only brings us economic benefits, but also an advanced concept of sustainable development
On September 11th, Lin Xingsheng (right), the leader of the project team of the Chinese Aid Fiji Mushroom Grass Technology Demonstration Center, helped Seruwaya Kabubu (center) and local women build mushroom greenhouses in the Naitasili Province of Fiji. Xinhua News Agency (photo by Gao Xin)
According to Lin Xingsheng, the leader of the Mushroom Center project team, since 2014, China has trained more than 2700 mushroom technicians in Fiji, benefiting over 3000 households directly from mushroom planting, mushroom cultivation, mushroom livestock breeding, and mushroom ecological management.
My companions and I are witnesses and beneficiaries of mushroom and grass technology, “said Cabocabo.