Growing Reishi mushrooms under cashew trees.

Ms. Vu Thi Mai is a farmer with over 40 years of experience cultivating cashew trees in Dong Tam commune, Dong Nai province. She was the first farmer in the province selected as a pilot model for growing red reishi mushrooms under cashew trees.

Ms. Vu Thi Mai in Dong Tam commune grows reishi mushrooms under cashew trees. Photo: Binh Nguyen.

After three months of experimentation, Mrs. Mai's family harvested their first batch of reishi mushrooms. The mushrooms grown under cashew trees thrived, and the mushroom caps reached a large size. The success of this model is being further expanded to increase farmers' income and develop the province's key crop in a sustainable manner.

A good environment for Reishi mushrooms to grow.

Under the cool shade of cashew trees, rows of red reishi mushrooms are nestled between two rows of cashew trees. The mushroom beds are equipped with an automatic irrigation system, drainage ditches, and a layer of netting covering each bed.

After carefully preparing the environment for mushroom growth, on September 15, 2025, Ms. Mai's family planted the mushroom spawn. The mushrooms grow naturally on the ground, requiring minimal care from the farmers. According to Ms. Mai, the ecological conditions under the cashew trees, from light and shade to humidity, are very suitable for the growth of reishi mushrooms. In particular, reishi mushrooms only thrive in environments free from pesticides or excessive use of chemicals. The mushroom cultivation process must be managed naturally, using biological products only when necessary. This aligns with the traditional cashew farming practices of the farmers, as this crop is less susceptible to pests and diseases and is cultivated organically and safely.

Ms. Mai added: Reishi mushrooms grow very well under cashew trees, and since the model was implemented, no pests or diseases have appeared on the mushrooms. What farmers need to pay attention to is regulating irrigation water and sunlight, especially during unusual weather. Accordingly, growers must regularly monitor and adjust the shade netting and water levels to suit each stage of mushroom growth.

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According to Ms. Mai, although this is a new model, her family is very confident in implementing it because all technical aspects are guided by staff from the Cashew Research and Development Center (Southern Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology) who come directly to the farm.

According to Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, Le Thi Anh Tuyet, in the coming time, Dong Nai province will continue to expand the model of growing reishi mushrooms under cashew trees. Farmers participating in this model will receive support from the Cashew Research and Development Center in terms of costs and technology, as well as guaranteed product purchase.

"Gold" under the cashew tree

The time from planting the mushroom spawn to the first harvest is about 3 months. After that, farmers cut the mushrooms and continue to care for them so that they regenerate, and another harvest is possible 3 months later. Ms. Mai compared: “The first time, my family harvested 128 kg of mushrooms, selling them at the farm for 250,000 VND/kg, earning about 32 million VND. With 0.5 hectares of cashew trees intercropped with reishi mushrooms, farmers can harvest 4 times a year, earning a profit of over 100 million VND. Meanwhile, with 1 hectare of cashew trees, farmers only achieve a profit of 10-15 million VND/year.”

The economic value of this intercropping model helps cashew farmers increase their income many times over. Meanwhile, the cashew growing area is preserved, and the cashew trees are better cared for, resulting in higher yields and more sustainable development. This is a direction that brings sustainable livelihoods to cashew farmers in the province.

Based on practical experience, Ms. Mai concluded: “The model of growing red reishi mushrooms under cashew trees is suitable for widespread adoption because the initial investment is not too large. The technical care process has already been transferred to farmers by the Cashew Research and Development Center. Importantly, this model is organized into a value chain from cultivation to technology transfer and product distribution. Red reishi mushrooms are a valuable medicinal herb with high economic value. The market demand for this medicinal product is very high, so farmers don't have to worry about sales.”

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Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, Le Thi Anh Tuyet, commented: "Growing reishi mushrooms under cashew trees is a new model. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, specifically the Cashew Research and Development Center, selected Dong Nai province to pilot this model. From September 2025 to the present, farmers have had two harvests of mushrooms with results exceeding expectations. Successfully growing this valuable medicinal herb under cashew trees brings double economic value, both sustainably developing the province's key crop and generating high profits for farmers."

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Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/kinh-te/202603/trong-nam-linh-chi-duoi-tan-dieu-2663097/