Success Story: These two brothers earned lakhs of rupees in the first year by farming mushrooms
Success Story: Two young brothers from the town of Ramnagar, which is close to Corbett National Park, Siddhant and Sarthak Mehrotra, are creative farmers who have successfully transformed their ideas into a company. What started out as a dream to fulfill their father’s desire to use their farmland has now developed into a very profitable business that is not only giving them large profits but also revolutionizing the local agricultural industry.
Creating a Successful Business Out of a Market Gap
The agricultural difficulties that their area experienced were nothing new to the Mehrotra brothers. They chose to pursue a new endeavor that would combine their entrepreneurial energy with the evolving dynamics of the agricultural industry, while coming from a family with a history in electronics.
An idea was born out of conversations with their hotel business acquaintances, particularly those working in the Corbett National Park area. The brothers looked into the prospect of establishing a mushroom manufacturing plant since the hotels often had shortages in the materials needed for their kitchens.
They made the decision to enter this specialized yet exciting profession after realizing that there was a market gap and that there was no large-scale mushroom producing facility in the region. They made a daring move after doing study and speaking with National Horticulture Board (NHB) officials. They envisioned a state-of-the-art mushroom production facility that would initially hold 100 metric tons (MT) and ultimately grow to 180 MT.
The National Horticulture Board’s assistance
When Siddhant and Sarthak contacted the National Horticulture Board in 2022, they received comprehensive project planning and execution guidance. NHB made it simpler for them to get the required cash by offering financial aid in the form of subsidies in addition to helpful technical guidance. The brothers gained access to the newest technology in mushroom farming via partnerships with renowned agricultural research organizations as GBPUA&T Pantnagar and the DMRC Solan.
The brothers founded their mushroom producing company, M/s Vardhman Agro, in early 2023 with help from NHB. Modern amenities and technology, including as climate-controlled chambers and automated systems for ideal growing circumstances, were installed in the facility. This guaranteed a steady supply of superior mushrooms to satisfy the rising demand from nearby eateries, hotels, and marketplaces.
Because to the careful preparation and execution, the starting phase went well. Their first batch of mushrooms was gathered by March 2023, when their mushroom cultivating facility was up and running. They produced 190 MT at the end of 2023–2024, with an average cropping cycle of 50–60 days. This resulted in a total income of Rs. 2.18 crore at an average selling price of Rs. 115 per kilogram.
In their first year of full-scale manufacturing, the brothers made a net revenue of Rs. 76 lakhs despite the high operating costs, which comprised labor, raw materials, and bank EMIs. In addition to being profitable, the success demonstrated the sustainability and feasibility of mushroom cultivation as a high-value, alternative crop in the area.
Impact on the Environment and Entrepreneurship
Their business stands out for its capacity to blend economic viability with environmental sustainability. Because it uses organic waste and agro-residues, which would otherwise contribute to environmental damage, mushroom production is an environmentally responsible operation. In addition to taking advantage of a new market, the brothers assisted in managing agricultural waste and converting it into a nutritious food source high in protein.
Many other farmers and business owners in the area are now considering mushroom farming as a feasible business option as a result of Vardhman Agro’s success. Given the enormous potential for expansion and financial gain, a number of nearby farms have already turned to the National Horticulture Board for advice and funding in order to launch comparable initiatives. Thus, the Mehrotra brothers’ project has spread, empowering women farmers, encouraging rural business, and giving local youngsters employment.
In addition to being a tale of commercial success, Siddhant and Sarthak Mehrotra’s narrative serves as a brilliant illustration of how creativity and new technology can revolutionize traditional farming. They have transformed a basic concept into a revolutionary enterprise that is not only profitable but also sustainable and significant by using cutting-edge agricultural techniques and working with governmental organizations.
Their experience has shown that, even in areas where traditional farming is the norm, young entrepreneurs can access the vast potential of the agriculture industry with the correct support, technology, and perseverance. The brothers’ accomplishments serve as a compelling example for other would-be farmers and demonstrate that farming may be both successful and contemporary.
Considering the Future
The Mehrotra brothers are already making plans for the future because of the success of their first year and the rising demand in the area for premium mushrooms. They want to grow their business even further, diversify into other kinds of mushrooms, and reach more markets outside of their own neighborhood. Beyond only expanding their company, they also want to teach and encourage the next generation of mushroom farmers in order to build a network of sustainable agricultural enterprises that have the potential to revolutionize the rural economy.
