The effectiveness of mushroom cultivation models in urban areas.

Việt Nam•05/09/2023

The model for growing oyster mushrooms in urban areas is initially proving effective.

(VLO) Growing oyster mushrooms is considered a suitable model for urban agriculture, and some people have implemented it and initially achieved quite good economic results.

In 2023, in order to create a positive shift in the development orientation of urban agricultural extension, changing people's practices from small-scale production towards sustainable, commodity-based production, the Vinh Long City Agricultural Extension Station built and developed a model for implementing the "Urban Agricultural Extension Program 2023".

In particular, the safe mushroom production model has achieved initial success. Participating farmers receive support covering 50% of the cost of mushroom substrate bags (750 oyster mushroom bags); and 50% of the cost of racks, supporting tools, and irrigation systems.

At the same time, growers also receive specific guidance from agricultural extension officers, from building the growing house and the timing of introducing mushroom spawn into the farm to cultivation techniques...

Some urban farmers participating in the model say that oyster mushrooms are easy to cultivate and can be harvested in multiple batches, with low investment costs. This is also a production method that yields quite high economic efficiency.

Specifically, after bringing the mushroom substrate home, let it ferment for about 2 months, then remove the cotton wool, cover it again for about 10 days, then open the lid again and water it to maintain moisture for easy mushroom growth.

The water used for irrigating mushrooms must be clean, free of alum, and contain no substances harmful to mushrooms. Irrigation should be done using a spray bottle or a very fine spray nozzle.

Watering frequency depends on the humidity of the mushroom growing house, averaging twice a day. When you see mycelium around the cork, remove the cork. Mushrooms will begin to grow after about 6 days, and can be harvested depending on their size.

After harvesting the mushrooms, clean the substrate thoroughly, then close the lid and continue watering and monitoring the mushroom substrate for about 15 days before starting the next harvest.

According to Mr. Nguyen Hoang Dan, an official at the Vinh Long City Agricultural Extension Station and a guide for farmers in growing oyster mushrooms, "It doesn't require a large area; warehouses or small spaces can be utilized for growing oyster mushrooms."

The mushroom growing house can be surrounded by netting or plastic sheeting to retain moisture, deter insects, and promote good mushroom growth. The house used for growing oyster mushrooms must be clean, dry, well-ventilated, and have good drainage while maintaining humidity.

The mushroom substrate bags can be arranged on shelves, with each row spaced 30-50cm apart, each string 20-25cm apart, and each stack containing 4-5 bags. Each stack should have walkways for easy care and harvesting. Harvesting should be done early in the morning to ensure freshness and a higher price for the mushrooms.

Ms. Le Thi Hong Van (Hamlet 2, Ward 3, Vinh Long City), who grows 1,500 oyster mushroom spawn bags, said: “I utilize 20 square meters of vacant land at my house to build a mushroom growing house. Compared to other crops, oyster mushrooms are easy to grow, convenient to care for, and don't require much space.”

I also kept a log of my cultivation to ensure I followed the instructions correctly. With a selling price of 50,000-55,000 VND/kg, I harvested 25kg of mushrooms in the first batch, which yielded a decent profit.”

Similarly, Ms. Luu Thi Kim Loan (Hamlet 6, Ward 5, Vinh Long City) also shared: “I also utilize the warehouse to grow mushrooms in my free time. Growing mushrooms doesn't require much care and is profitable.”

The mushroom harvesting period lasts from 3-4 months with 8-10 harvests, yielding considerable economic benefits.

According to Mr. Nguyen Hoang Dan, to achieve high efficiency in mushroom cultivation, the selection of mushroom spawn is crucial. It must have a clear origin, be free from disease, and have the potential for good growth and development.

Before introducing the mushroom spawn, the growing house must be disinfected with lime powder to reduce disease during cultivation.

During the first week, the seedling bags should be inspected. If any bags show signs of mold, they must be removed from the growing area and destroyed to prevent the disease from spreading to other bags.

It is important to ensure that the substrate bags are not exposed to direct drafts, that the air inside the grow house is well-ventilated, and that the light inside the grow house is evenly distributed.

Mr. Nguyen Van Luc, Head of the Vinh Long City Agricultural Extension Station, said: The area of agricultural land is shrinking day by day.

Therefore, to help farmers transition from traditional to urban farming models, Vinh Long City has recently focused on developing new economic models that help create jobs and increase farmers' incomes.

Accordingly, there are many effective development models such as growing ornamental plants and flowers, cut orchids, producing green vegetables in a safe and organic way, and cultivating oyster mushrooms…

Specifically, the oyster mushroom cultivation model has been implemented at 7 locations in Ward 3, Ward 5, Ward 8, Tan Hoi Ward, and Truong An Ward. This is considered a suitable model for development and replication in urban areas.

"Urban agricultural models not only contribute to changing farmers' production perceptions but also help to increase product value, ensure product quality, facilitate traceability in a safe organic manner, foster a sense of responsibility for product quality, expand consumer markets, establish stable supply chain linkages, and ensure peace of mind for production development."

"In addition, we are gradually building more concentrated commodity production areas, ensuring quality, quantity, and competitive prices to supply products to markets inside and outside the province," Mr. Nguyen Van Luc added.

Text and photos: NGUYEN KHANG

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