by Azman Kamarudin 

Serdang, July 16, 2024 The Putra Agricultural Center's Agrotechnology Unit organized a mushroom cultivation course for participants from the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) in collaboration with the University Community Transformation Centre (UCTC) UPM. The course, which took place from July 15 to 18, 2024, saw the participation of 16 individuals.

The program was inaugurated by the esteemed Prof. Dr. Norsida Man, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Extension Division, UCTC UPM. In her opening speech, she emphasized the importance of mastering agricultural knowledge as a tool for community empowerment.

This course offered not only in-depth theoretical modules but also comprehensive practical training. Participants were taught about media preparation, mushroom harvesting techniques, product packaging, and the process of preparing mushroom blocks. More interestingly, they had the opportunity to learn about the production of mushroom-based downstream products, opening doors to various potential commercial opportunities.

Through this program, AADK officers gained deep insights into oyster mushroom cultivation, knowledge that is expected to be applied in various aspects of rehabilitation and community empowerment. This program also aligns with UPM's vision to make agriculture a catalyst for economic transformation in society. By improving household economic status through agricultural produce, this program has the potential to provide long-term positive impacts.

This initiative demonstrates how collaboration between universities and government agencies can greatly benefit the community. Programs like this not only educate but also build, transforming participants' lives through knowledge and new economic opportunities. "Agriculture for the People" is the spirit brought by UPM through this program, leveraging the power of knowledge for community well-being.

Date of Input: 19/07/2024 | Updated: 19/07/2024 | azman87