Empowering Women through Straw Mushroom Cultivation

The straw mushroom cultivation model at Tan Binh Cooperative in Thanh Binh District, Dong Thap Province, offers an inspiring example of how sustainable agricultural practices can empower women in rural communities. By utilizing locally available rice straw to produce mushroom, the project provides women with an opportunity to engage in income-generating activities, enhancing their economic independence while promoting environmental sustainability.

In the pilot project, three women from Tan Binh Cooperative have actively participated in all aspects of mushroom cultivation, from nurturing to harvest. They earned over 25,000 VND (€0.96) per hour, working 8 hours a day, with a productivity rate of 1.4 to 1.7 kilograms per bale (approximately 20kilograms) of rice straw. In comparison, the monthly minimum wage for Thanh Binh District, Dong Thap Province, as outlined in Decree No. 74/2024/ND-CP(effective from June 30, 2024), is 3,450,000 VND (€132.69), which equates to an hourly wage of 16,600 VND (€0.64).

The project places a strong emphasis on skill development in mushroom cultivation, teaching women to select high-quality mushroom substrates, manage fertilizer and water distribution, and protect crops from pests. Despite challenges such as adverse weather and insect infestations in the mushroom cultivation, their perseverance and commitment to quality have been pivotal to the model's success. Their dedication has ensured consistent productivity, proving the model’s resilience.

Huynh Thi Ngoc Ngan, a long-standing member of Tan Binh Cooperative, shared, “Growing mushrooms not only helps my family earn additional income but also allows me to learn new techniques.” Inspired by the Cooperative’s mushroom-growing model, her family has utilized available straw to cultivate mushrooms at home. “Seeing the first successful harvests brought me great joy!” she added.

Rikolto and local partners have provided technical training for both male and female farmers on mushroom cultivation, sustainable production practices, and material use. These sessions also serve as a platform for women to share experiences, build community connections, and support each other. The model’s focus on women’s participation has proven effective in improving livelihoods while highlighting the critical role women play in sustainable agricultural development. With continued support, the project is poised for expansion, creating long-term positive economic and environmental impacts.