Mushroom Cultivation and Processing as Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Bulacan, Philippines

Abstract

Mushroom cultivation and processing are increasingly promoted in the Philippines as livelihood options for rural families. However, empirical evidence on their performance as sources of income remains limited. Accordingly, this study examined the viability of household mushroom cultivation and processing as income-generating activities and entrepreneurial opportunities in Bulacan, Central Luzon, Philippines. A descriptive multiple case design was used, involving four mushroom entrepreneurs (three cultivators and one processor) purposively selected, along with key informants from the Central Luzon State University Mushroom Center and the Department of Trade and Industry in Bulacan. Semi-structured interviews documented enterprise characteristics, challenges, support services, opportunities, and income patterns. In addition, simple cost and revenue estimates were prepared for a cultivation setup with 10,000 fruiting bags and a crispy mushroom processing operation using about 100 kilograms of fresh mushrooms per day. The findings show that most mushroom ventures are home-based, require modest capital, and allow household members, particularly women, to combine income-earning activities with family responsibilities. Furthermore, the cases reveal recurring issues in input sourcing, contamination, labor, and market access, which are partly addressed through technical training, product development assistance, shared service facilities, and enterprise development programs provided by support institutions. Financial analysis suggests that cultivators can achieve profit margins of approximately 63-99 percent, depending on the extent of outsourced inputs, whereas processors can generate an estimated 42 percent profit margin. Overall, the study indicates that mushroom cultivation and processing, when supported by appropriate technologies and when given active institutional support, can provide a regular household income and serve as viable entrepreneurial pathways for rural families in Bulacan. Moving forward, the study highlights the need for targeted capacity building, compliance support, market development, and cooperative or cluster initiatives to strengthen mushroom enterprises.