Mushroom Magic: Haryana Couple Builds Rs 9 Lakh/Month Venture from Pandemic Passion

Image Source : Zee News - India.Com

What began as a lockdown experiment has blossomed into a thriving agribusiness for Haryanabased professors Sonia and Vijay Dahiya. The duo, founders of Doctor Dahiya Mushroom Farm in Sonipat, now produce nearly 10 tonnes of mushrooms monthly and generate Rs 9 lakh in revenue—proving that academic precision and agricultural grit can be a powerful combination..

Key Highlights of the Farming Venture

Doctor Dahiya Mushroom Farm was launched in 2020 during the COVID19 lockdown
Monthly output stands at 9–10 tonnes, with revenue averaging Rs 9 lakh
Initial investment of Rs 40 lakh was supplemented by a state horticulture subsidy
The farm sells button, portobello, oyster, and milky mushrooms, with exotic varieties available on preorder
Mushrooms are sold wholesale in Delhi’s Azadpur Mandi and directly to caterers, restaurants, and daily customers

From Academia to Agriculture

Sonia is an assistant professor in biotechnology at Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology
Vijay teaches mathematics at Maharaja Surajmal Institute in Delhi
Their academic background helped them master spawn procurement, compost formulation, and cultivation techniques
The couple conducted extensive research via online platforms before launching the farm

Infrastructure and Expansion Strategy

Started with two growing rooms and 5,600 mushroom bags
Faced early challenges with inconsistent output and poorquality market compost
Invested Rs 20 lakh to build an inhouse compost unit, improving yield and quality
Expanded to four growing rooms by 2022, enabling consistent production flow

Sales Channels and Customer Base

Mushrooms are sold wholesale and to direct buyers who purchase 50 kg daily
Clients include caterers, dhabas, banquet halls, and small eateries
Marketing relies on wordofmouth and product quality rather than paid promotions

Training and Social Impact

Sonia and Vijay conduct regular training and consultancy workshops for aspiring farmers and students
The farm employs around 20 women from nearby villages, promoting financial independence
Consultancy services have helped set up 10 mushroom farms across Haryana

Financials and Future Plans

Net monthly profit ranges from Rs 80,000 to Rs 2 lakh, depending on operational costs
Plans include expanding into new mushroom varieties and scaling training programs
The couple aims to build a national network of mushroom entrepreneurs and raise awareness about the crop’s nutritional value

As Doctor Dahiya Mushroom Farm continues to grow, the venture stands as a testament to how scientific knowledge, entrepreneurial spirit, and community engagement can turn a modest idea into a sustainable business.

Sources: Zee News, Startup Pedia, 30Stades, News18, Economic Times