Business Analysis of Black Ear Mushroom (Auricularia polytrhica (Mont.) Sacc.) in Berjo Village, Ngargoyoso District, Karanganyar Regency

Abstract

Abstract Black ear mushroom (Auricularia polytricha (Mont.) Sacc.) are edible mushroom that has been widely processed into food and medicine. Thus, due to its high demand, the black ear mushroom has been widely cultivated. The aim of the present study was to determine the feasibility of mushroom cultivation businesses in Berjo Village, Ngargoyoso District, Karanganyar Regency, Central Java. An interview was conducted to three black ear mushroom cultivation business owners. Business performance analysis was carried out. Furthermore, revenue analysis, business efficiency, benefit-cost (B/C) ratio, break-even point (BEP), payback period, and depreciation cost were determined. The average area of mushroom house was 776 m2 with capacity of 18,000 baglogs. Business owners managed their business in the traditional way. For example, watering and pest control was conducted manually. The average revenue of black ear mushroom cultivation was Rp49,555,667/period. In addition, the business efficiency, B/C ratio, BEP unit and price were 1.93, 0.93, 4644 kg, and Rp5,924/kg, respectively. Meanwhile, the payback period and depreciation costs were 0.69 years and Rp6,357,000. Therefore, based on the results obtained in the present study, black ear mushrooms were feasible to be developed into a business.