Cost Analysis of Lacquered Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) Karst ) Production and Its Spores at Muang Ngai Special Agricultural Project under the Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, Fiscal Year 2009

Abstract

This study collected data on MG2 Lingzhi mushroom production and its spores from six buildings, covering three crops, containing 30,000 bags, 34,955 bags and 32,032 bags per crop respectively. The total cost was derived from the total fixed cost plus total variable cost.
The result of this study showed that the first crop of Lingzhi mushrooms producted were stem-shaped and looked like deer antlers due to the fact they were grown in the winter. The cost of production was 10.97 baht per bag, or 1,135 baht per kilogram. The second crop was destroyed by fungus; it cost 6.22 baht per bag. The cost of production for the third crop was 10.66 baht per bag or 1,168.99 baht per kilogram. The overall cost of production for the 3 crops was 888,149.90 baht per year, 9.16 baht per bag, and 1,526.27 baht per kilogram. While dry Lingzhi mushroom in the Thai market costs 850 baht per kilogram, its spores were priced at 2,000-100,000 baht per kilogram. Therefore, it will be possible for Muang Ngai Special Agricultural Project to produce Lingzhi mushroom and its spores for commercial sale.
However, if the crops are promoted among farmers, the farmers must be taught skills in proper production methods (good agricultural practices (GAP)) in order to be effective in producing this type of mushroom and for selling it commercially.