White Gold Business: In today’s times, when farming costs are skyrocketing and profits from traditional crops like rice and wheat are dwindling, mushroom cultivation is proving to be a game-changer for Indian farmers. Grown in a small, dark room at home, without fertile land and harsh sunlight, this crop has become known as “White Gold.”
According to recent reports, the government is providing up to 100% subsidy and free training to promote mushroom farming. If you too want to earn substantial profits within 2-3 months with limited space and minimal effort, this article will prove to be a powerful business guide. Let’s learn how, starting with just 10 bags, you can ensure an income of over ₹80,000.
Unique Benefits of Mushroom Farming
The biggest advantage of mushrooms is that they don’t require acres of fertile land to grow. You can start it in any vacant, closed, or dark room in your home. This crop is grown on a mixture of straw and special fertilizer instead of soil, eliminating the hassle of soil fertility.
Compared to traditional farming, it also requires much less physical labour. You don’t need to plow in the scorching sun or irrigate for hours. Simply by maintaining a controlled temperature and humidity environment, you can grow it year-round. Best of all, yields begin within just 25-30 days of sowing the seeds, making it a crop that offers a quick return on investment.
Selection of Varieties and Techniques
A renowned agricultural expert says that mushroom cultivation is a game of technique and patience. Given the huge demand in the market, three varieties are considered the most profitable. The first is button mushrooms, which are most in demand in hotels and restaurants. The second is oyster mushrooms, which are the easiest to grow and require minimal input costs. The third is milky mushrooms, which yield a high yield even in the summer season.
To understand the earnings calculations, if a farmer starts with just 10 bags in a small area of 10×10 meters, he can easily earn up to ₹80,000. Once the seeds are sown, the crop can be harvested 3 to 4 times, eliminating the need for new inputs each time.
Profits from Government Subsidies
The central and state governments are now generously providing grants to develop mushroom production as a cottage industry. If you want to start this business, the lack of funds will no longer be a barrier:
General and Backward Classes
Farmers in these categories are provided with 40% to 50% government subsidy for setting up mushroom units.
Special provisions for the Scheduled Castes
The government provides special benefits to Dalit and marginalized farmers.
Zero Investment Facility
Some special schemes through the District Horticulture Department and Village Industries Office also offer 100% subsidy. This means you can lay the foundation for your startup without investing any money from your own pocket.
How to start your own unit
Mushroom cultivation is completely based on scientific methods, so the government is not only providing funding but also training you to be an expert. To receive grants and assistance, you must submit certain documents to your local Horticulture Department, such as your Aadhaar card, bank passbook, and land details (if available).
The department provides professional training to farmers on mushroom cultivation, covering everything from compost preparation to pest control. Upon completion, you receive a certificate that helps you obtain a bank loan in the future. The government’s goal is for every farmer to transform a small portion of their home into a profitable factory.