The 45-day oyster mushroom cultivation project conducted by Newway Biotech in collaboration with the WIN Foundation was a truly enriching and hands-on experience for me. I had the opportunity to independently lead and manage the entire project, from preparing the growing bags using wheat straw as the primary substrate and quality spawn, to closely monitoring their progress throughout the duration. Although high summer temperatures posed a challenge and resulted in comparatively slower growth, it was exciting to observe key stages such as pinhead formation and the development of early fruiting bodies.

One of the most important aspects I focused on was maintaining proper moisture and humidity levels, as oyster mushrooms are highly sensitive to environmental conditions. Watering was carried out three times a day to ensure optimal growth. During the process, due to low humidity and temperature fluctuations, trichoderma contamination (greenish growth) was observed in one of the bags. As an initial control measure, the affected bag was immediately isolated, and upon observing rapid spread of the contamination, it was carefully discarded to prevent it from affecting the remaining bags. This experience was both challenging and rewarding, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting. This experience not only deepened my understanding of practical mushroom cultivation but also highlighted the critical role of environmental control in achieving successful yields. I am grateful to the WIN Foundation for providing the necessary space, support, and coordination, which made the smooth execution of this project possible.