Despite a long history of mushroom cultivation and strong domestic demand, the industry remains trapped in a paradox as a major importer rather than a leading exporter of mushroom products, experts have said. Mushroom farming has existed in Việtnam for over 150 years, dating back to the French colonial period. Today, the country ranks 11th in mushroom exports but is the third-largest importer of processed mushrooms globally, after the US and Hong Kong (China), and is also second in mushroom powder imports, behind only the US.
Việtnam produces 250,000-270,000 tons of mushrooms annually, a relatively modest output given the country's plentiful raw materials for cultivation. Experts noted that the rice industry alone generates 42-47 million tons of straw each year, alongside other agricultural by-products such as sawdust, cotton waste and bagasse - all of which provide ideal substrates for mushroom farming.
Nguyễn Hải Châu, founder of Hà Nội-based Sumo Nhat Viet JSC which specialises in agricultural technology, estimated that mushroom cultivation could raise the value of one hectare of farmland to VNĐ500 million per year by combining income from fresh and processed mushrooms and bio-fertiliser production.
Mushroom farming not only increases farmers' income but also helps reduce agricultural waste and environmental pollution, Châu told saigontimes.vn. However, success in mushroom cultivation remains elusive for many, Châu said.
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