Oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibre has been formulated as a substrate for cultivating oyster mushrooms, improving productivity and reducing the disposal problem of EFB faced by the palm oil industry. The use of EFB potentially reduces production costs and improves profits for mushroom growers while also promoting a "wasteto-wealth" approach. Shredded oil palm EFB produced by mechanical shredding of whole EFB obtained from a local palm oil mill is used as the material.
Oil palm empty fruit bunch is abundantly generated, and has low economical value. The organic agricultural waste is underutilized. Growing mushrooms using the waste could provide a more sustainable solution for production of mushrooms and managing agricultural waste generated by the palm oil industry.
1) Reduce waste in the palm oil industry
Oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) is a byproduct of the oil palm industry that can be used as a substrate for mushroom cultivation. Its utilisation helps to reduce waste in the industry and promotes sustainable practices
2) Economically Advantageous
The use of EFB as a substrate for mushroom cultivation is also economically advantageous. Since EFB is abundant and readily available in palm oil mills, its use as a substrate can potentially reduce production costs for mushroom growers. The technology can also improve the profitability of palm oil mills by creating a new revenue stream from the sale of EFB for mushroom cultivation.
3) Waste-to-Wealth approach
The mushrooms grow on the substrate, utilizing the nutrients in the mixture to develop strong, healthy fruit bodies with improved yield and nutritional properties. This technology has the potential to reduce production costs and improve profit margins for mushroom growers, while also promoting a "waste-to-wealth" approach.
This technology is different from other solutions on the market as it stands out for its faster oyster mushroom production, improved nutrition, waste-towealth concept, sustainability, and use of abundant local materials. It is an economically and environmentally viable solution.