Training in mushroom cultivation is being provided at IDP camps in the Arakan State capital Sittwe and other townships in the state in hopes that these displaced populations can eventually run their own mushroom-growing businesses.

U Kyi Soe, who is providing the training, told DMG that the aim is to create job opportunities and livelihoods for the beneficiaries.

“People in other cities and towns in Myanmar are widely doing home-based business. But in Arakan State, such businesses are not seen very much. So, I am providing the training,” he said, adding that the training started in September with the help of some businesspeople in Sittwe.

“Technology is enough to show how to cultivate mushrooms, but financial aid will be required when people across the state grow mushrooms as a home-based business. I think it will be easier if the government provides financial aid,” he said.

The training is provided at IDP camps in Sittwe and wards in Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Minbya, Buthidaung, Mrauk-U, Ann and Ramree townships regardless of race and religion, and more than 300 people have been provided the training to date, he added.

Ko Arkar Soe, a resident of Oh Phauk village in Rathedaung Township, has participated in the training and said he is preparing to run a manageable home-based business after the training is complete.

“We are taught how to cultivate mushrooms and what we will need to grow them,” he said.

Training in the cultivation of straw, oyster and wood ear mushrooms is provided and the spores needed to grow them are bought from Yangon.