Potential of Mushroom Farming in India: Types, Prices, and Profit

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Which are the Top Mushroom Varieties Cultivated in India?
  • Button Mushrooms
  • Oyster Mushrooms
  • Milky Mushrooms
  • Reishi Mushrooms
  • Shiitake Mushrooms
• What are the Steps involved in Mushroom Farming?
  • Composting
  • Spawning
  • Casing
  • Cropping
  • Harvesting
• What are the factors affecting Mushroom Cultivation?
  • Humidity
  • Temperature
  • Ventilation
• What is the Market, Price, and Profits for Mushroom Farming in India?

Introduction

Mushrooms are fungi that grow on moist surfaces such as wood or other organic matter. Mushroom farming in India was initially not popular but as soon as people started consuming it in large amounts, it became a profitable agribusiness in India. 

It requires very low maintenance for its growth and can easily be harvested in forest floors, basements, and backyards of small warehouses. 

Which are the Top Mushroom Varieties Cultivated in India?

There are several types of mushrooms being cultivated in India for commercial as well as domestic purposes. The cultivation of mushroom varieties in India contributes to the agricultural diversity of the nation and provides a value addition to the nutritional food products list. Here are some commonly cultivated mushroom types that are popular in the Indian market.

• Button Mushrooms 
• Oyster Mushrooms 
• Milky Mushrooms 
• Reishi Mushrooms
• Shiitake Mushrooms 

Button Mushrooms

Button mushrooms, scientifically known as Agaricus bisporus, are one of the most widely consumed varieties of mushrooms in India. They are identified by their round shape having white caps and mild flavor. They can be used in a wide range of culinary applications to prepare mouthwatering dishes.

Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms or pearl mushrooms, scientifically known as Pleurotus ostreatus, are considered one of India's best mushrooms as they offer various health benefits along with a delicate seafood flavor. They can easily be cultivated, and are high in nutritional value.  

Milky Mushrooms

Milky mushrooms, scientifically known as Calocybe indica, can be grown during summer season when the temperature is high for direct consumption or for commercial purposes. They are milky white in appearance which sets them apart from other types of mushrooms. They are also quite commonly used in preparing a wide variety of dishes and find a special place in the Indian food menu.

Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms, scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum, have immense medicinal properties. They are known to boost immunity and contain several antioxidants that are good for health. These types of mushrooms are gaining popularity in India's herbal and wellness industries.

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms, scientifically known as Lentinula edodes, are added to different dishes for their smokey and rich flavor. They are mainly sourced from East Asia and are now cultivated in various parts of India due to their increasing popularity and market demand.

What are the Steps involved in Mushroom Farming?

It is important to maintain ideal environmental conditions for farmers involved in its cultivation for healthy growth and improved yield. Maintaining proper humidity, temperature, and ventilation throughout the cultivation process is critical for successful mushroom production. Here is the step-by-step process to start mushroom cultivation.

Composting

The substrate is the material on which mushrooms grow. Generally, substrates include straw, sawdust, compost, or a blend of different organic materials. The substrate is firstly pasteurized before being used to grow mushrooms to eliminate bacteria and competing fungi that could obstruct the growth of mushrooms.

Spawning

Spawn is a vegetative mycelium culture that is used to inoculate the substrate for mushroom growth. It is first initiated on a grain-based medium and then mixed well with the substrate to introduce the mushroom mycelium. Spawning is the process of mixing the spawn with the prepared substrate.

Casing

After spawning, a casing layer which is a peat moss or a mix of soil and peat is spread over to promote fruiting and moisture retention. The casing layer promotes a microclimate for the development of mushrooms.

Cropping

Crop management means maintaining optimal conditions for mushroom growth, which includes regulating temperature, humidity, and airflow. It also includes preventing the crop from pests and diseases to ensure healthy mushrooms are produced.

Harvesting

Different types of mushrooms are harvested at different stages of development. For instance, button mushrooms are harvested when the caps are closed, while oyster mushrooms are generally harvested when the caps begin to flatten. The correct harvesting technique involves gently twisting or cutting the mushrooms to avoid damage.

What are the factors affecting Mushroom Cultivation?

Although mushrooms are not much known or understood, they are incredibly beneficial organisms, which are a great source of nutrition and medicine when grown for consumption purposes. But at the same time their growth and development are greatly influenced and determined by environmental parameters. Knowledge of these factors will help in proper management and ultimate growth and development of the mushrooms. The key factors that affect their growth and development and influence the life cycle of mushrooms and their growth stages are:

Humidity

Mushrooms grow where the humidity levels are high therefore it is important to maintain humidity between 80-90% for optimal growth of the crop and to prevent drying out the substrate.

Temperature

Different varieties of mushrooms need different temperatures to grow. Maintaining the ideal temperature is necessary for mycelium colonization, fruiting, and overall production.

Ventilation

Adequate airflow is vital for the growth of mushrooms to replenish carbon dioxide, remove excess humidity, and prevent the buildup of contaminants that may destroy the crop. Proper ventilation leads to healthy mushroom growth and reduces the risk of mold or bacterial infections.

What is the Market, Price, and Profits for Mushroom Farming in India?

With the rise in demand for mushrooms in India, its market size is experiencing massive growth. As per Businessoffood.in, market size is expected to reach USD 466.8 million by the end of year 2032. One of the major reasons influencing the demand for mushrooms in India is the mass awareness towards a nutritious diet and the growing vegan population. The seasonal variations highly fluctuate the prices as they influence the yield and availability of mushrooms in the Indian market.  

Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala are some of the highest mushroom-producing states. Mushroom farming profit in India is considered to be approx INR 1000 per sq. ft. area. With large-scale production, the upper margin of mushroom cultivation in India is quite high. The profit also varies depending on the area used for farming, the type of mushroom cultivated, and the best market that you find to sell them.