Focus Study

DOON PO SA AMIN: “KAUPAS, GRASYA SA UNAS: PANGINABUHIAN SA LUMULOPYO HONG SUMILIHON”

Subtitle: "Kaupas" (Cultured Mushroom): A Livelihood of Sumilihon Settlers

The study relates on the livelihood of the settlers of Barangay Sumilihon, Butuan City. The local product, “Kaupas” (cultured mushroom) has been circulating the market for more than three decades. The steps are presented in order to share the knowledge on how to start a healthy and profitable mushroom farming.

First thing is to gather dried banana leaves that are abundant in the area. School children will also benefit in collecting dried leaves because mushroom owners will buy it for Php 3.00 per bundle. Dried banana leaves are being tied together to have firm hold. Dried banana leaves are soaked in the water for a couple of 12 hours a maximum in order to absorb enough water, then are placed in the cutting table where it will be sliced using a sharp bolo knife. Cutting of the leaves must be proportion in size.

Cut banana leaves are now ready to make one single pile to serve as bed for the seedling. Beds are piled properly. Appropriate distance must also be observed.“Abuno” (organic fertilizer), is the first material to be placed in the piled banana bed. “Abuno” is now placed on the top of the piled banana bed. Accurate distribution of “Abuno” must be observed. The sterilized dried banana trunk will be the second material to be placed in the bed. The sterilized dried banana trunk will then be evenly distributed in the top of the piled banana bed.

“Madre de Cacao” (kakawate leaves) is the third material to be placed in the top of the bed. Kakawate leaves are said to emit heat so it is useful for the formation of moisture in the bed. After distributing the third material in the bed (kakawate leaves), it is time to make a second pile of banana bed. The second bed must also be properly placed in the top of the first bed and will serve as the second layer. After the second layer bed is done, walking in the top of it is necessary to make the layers compact and intact. Being compact and intact is necessary to not loosen the mushroom seedlings.

The process of placing the three materials in the bed namely: “Abuno” (organic fertilizer), sterilized dried banana trunk, and “Madre De Cacao” (kakawate leaves) continues until the piled banana bed will reach five layers. Make sure that the bed is compact and intact. After that, both sides of the bed will be properly trimmed using a sharp bolo knife. Trimming of the bed’s both sides is important because the mushrooms will grow in the sides of the bed.

Covering the bed with cellophane is significant to produce moisture for the bed which is necessary for the seedling to grow faster. The bed will then be covered by dried coconut leaves to further produce heat and moisture for the seedling. It will also protect the bed from heavy rains. After 12 days from planting, the bed is now producing mushrooms and is ready for harvest.

“Kaupas” (cultured mushroom) is ready to be picked and can be vividly seen in both sides of the bed. The first “Kaupas” harvest will produce 2 kilos to 5 kilos. The second harvest will reach up to 15 kilos. The third harvest will be up to 20 kilos. The bed will have three harvest periods every after 12 days. The mushroom products in the market will range from Php 90.00 up to Php 100.00 per kilo. Prices will also vary depending on the distance.

“Kaupas” is now ready to be served in the dining table with varied ways in cooking. Different recipes are also at hand in preparing the mushrooms. As cited by noted book author, Duyff, R. (2006), mushrooms are miraculous and are proven effective in preventing diabetes and cancer. As livelihood of the settlers of Barangay Sumilihon, the “Kaupas” plantation has improved lives and gained profit for the local residents.