The effectiveness of growing red reishi mushrooms under the forest canopy

Households take care of red lingzhi mushroom gardens - Photo: N.D.P

Improve forest protection efficiency, increase income for people

In 2023, the Cooperative Group of Hiep Phat Agricultural and Commercial Cooperative and Chan May Cooperative cooperated with Minh Khanh Company Limited, Gia Lai province to grow and consume red lingzhi mushroom products under the canopy of planted forests (hybrid acacia) and natural forests in Huong Tan and Huong Phung communes, Huong Hoa district. Accordingly, the units have tested planting 4,000 red lingzhi mushroom spawns on an area of ​​1,000 ^m2 . After 3 months of planting and care, the model has brought practical results. In addition to adapting well to soil and climate conditions, the resin of fallen acacia leaves secretes a certain amount of nitrogen, creating an environment for the soil to nourish the spawn, so the red lingzhi mushroom grows quickly, with a relatively large size and weight.

As one of the 7 households directly participating in the red lingzhi mushroom growing model, Mr. Phan Van Tu, in Tan Linh village, Huong Tan commune, said: “We are very excited that the first red lingzhi mushroom growing model of the cooperative has been initially successful. Taking care of the red lingzhi mushroom spawn is quite simple, the spawn grows well under the acacia forest canopy, bringing high economic value. With 2,000 spawns of the cooperative, we have harvested 3 times, 3.6 quintals, the company purchased at a fresh price of 600,000 VND/kg, the amount earned is more than 200 million VND”.

Mr. Ho Chien, a Van Kieu ethnic, in Chenh Venh village, Huong Phung commune, is one of nine households participating in growing red lingzhi mushrooms under the forest canopy of Chan May Cooperative. He said that lingzhi mushrooms are very easy to grow and care for. After planting, growers only need to check the soil moisture, no need to fertilize because the tissue culture has been inoculated with nutrients at first. If it is the dry season, water must be applied appropriately to maintain moisture.

Ganoderma lucidum spawn is planted once but can be harvested all year round. Growing red Ganoderma lucidum under the forest canopy is very suitable for economic development, especially creating a livelihood associated with the community forest protection contracting model of the Van Kieu ethnic people in Chenh Venh village, Huong Phung commune, helping to improve the effectiveness of forest protection and development and increase income for the local people.

Replicating the model

Red Ganoderma has long been known as one of the precious medicinal herbs with many uses such as: stabilizing blood pressure; balancing cholesterol levels; reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease; reducing stress and fatigue; enhancing kidney and liver function, creating an immune system... This type of mushroom can be used fresh, dried or ground to make food or medicine.

In addition to providing a source of valuable medicinal plants with high economic value, after exploiting red reishi mushrooms, the roots decompose in the soil to become a good source of organic fertilizer, contributing to protecting the soil, water resources and environment.

On the other hand, according to experts, growing red lingzhi mushrooms under the forest canopy (hybrid acacia) increases economic value per unit area. In addition, the process of caring for mushrooms increases humidity, helping acacia trees grow faster and increase volume. The selling price of acacia trees at the age of exploitation is about 80 - 100 million VND/ha, plus the money from selling lingzhi mushrooms, the income will increase even more.

Sharing with us, Mr. Le Phuoc Hiep, Director of Hiep Phat Agricultural and Commercial Cooperative said: “To successfully grow the red lingzhi mushroom model, we have repeatedly conducted surveys and carefully checked the conditions of water, weather, climate, soil... The mushroom growing process is not too complicated, just need to water enough, weed regularly. Growing red lingzhi mushrooms not only helps to regenerate the soil environment, protect the forest but more importantly, brings economic efficiency to the people, especially the Van Kieu people in the villages”.

Although the process of caring for mushrooms is simple, the condition is that the planting locations must be suitable for the growth of red reishi mushrooms with a forest cover of 80% or more, and an air temperature of 15 - 20 degrees Celsius. Mr. Le Phuoc Hiep added that the Cooperative is currently continuing to search for and cooperate with quality seed suppliers, while also guiding and supporting training for households who want to grow red reishi mushrooms under the forest canopy.

“We see that this precious medicinal herb brings high profits and the market demand is also very large. This year, the cooperative will continue to plant 5,000 red lingzhi mushroom spawns on an area of ​​600 square meters under the canopy of planted forests (hybrid acacia). This will contribute to creating more jobs and income for local people, especially the Van Kieu people in the villages,” said Mr. Hiep.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Chan May Cooperative Le Dinh Phuc said that this year the Cooperative planted 5,000 red lingzhi mushroom spawns (the spawns the Cooperative signed a contract with Minh Khanh Company Limited, Gia Lai Province to supply) on an area of ​​600 m2 under the canopy of planted forests (acacia hybrid) in Chenh Venh village and under the canopy of jackfruit coffee in Xa Ry village, Huong Phung commune. Currently, the Van Kieu ethnic households have completed the land preparation and planted seeds in late March and early April.

Nguyen Dinh Phuc

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/hieu-qua-tu-viec-trong-nam-linh-chi-do-duoi-tan-rung-193023.htm