Coming from the small village of Khilamunda, under Padmapur block in Rayagada district, Odisha, Bishikeshan Sahu comes from a traditional farming family. Farming runs in Bishikeshan’s blood. His family has been cultivating brinjal, beans, and paddy for generations. Like most young men in his village, Bishikeshan worked alongside his father in the fields after his matriculation, but he always dreamed of doing something different.
"I never wanted to stick to the same crops. I wanted to try something that could offer more profit and less waiting time," Bishikeshan recalls. His determination to break away from the traditional farming mold led him to mushroom cultivation—a decision that would change his life.
Spark of Inspiration and the Power of Self-Learning
During a visit to Ganjam, Bishikeshan came across mushroom farmers who were making impressive profits, selling their produce at Rs. 180-200 per kilogram. This discovery fueled his ambition. Inspired by what he had seen, he returned home and decided to take the plunge into mushroom farming.
However, with no prior experience, Bishikeshan turned to the internet for guidance. "YouTube became my teacher," he says with a smile. Through online tutorials, he learned the basic techniques and started cultivating mushrooms. He also got training from Horticulture Department and over the years, his knowledge and skills grew, and today, he is a master of his craft.
Path to Profit: Turning a Modest Investment into Big Returns
With just 10 cents of land (0.010 acres), Bishikeshan began his mushroom farming venture. His hard work and dedication soon paid off. Today, he harvests 8-10 kilograms of mushrooms daily, that is 300-350 kilograms of mushrooms monthly, selling them at Rs. 280-300 per kilogram in the local market. His daily earnings of Rs. 2,000 translate to a monthly income of around Rs. 60,000—an impressive figure considering the size of his farm.
"Mushroom farming has given me stability and a better life. It’s not just about the money; it’s about the pride I feel in creating something on my own," he shares. Bishikeshan’s income has allowed him to support his family and significantly improve their living standards.
In addition to mushrooms, Bishikeshan cultivates paddy on 7 acres and Kappas on 2 acres of leased land. Resourceful as ever, he uses the waste from paddy cultivation to create mushroom beds, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. His sustainable approach not only reduces costs but also benefits the environment.
Overcoming Challenges and Expanding Horizons
Like any farmer, Bishikeshan faced challenges. Securing a loan was one of them, but with persistence, he obtained Rs. 66,000 from the bank, receiving Rs. 26,000 as a government subsidy. This financial boost helped him purchase essential tools, including a manual cutter and other machinery, which streamlined his operations.
Despite his success, Bishikeshan still dreams of expanding his mushroom cultivation. "The only thing holding me back is the lack of land," he says. "If I had more land, I could produce more and even sell outside the state." His ambition is clear—he wants to take his mushroom farming to the next level.
Mentor and Leader in His Community
Bishikeshan’s success has not gone unnoticed in his community. He has become a mentor to many, sharing his knowledge with fellow farmers and local self-help groups like Maa Saraswati Self-Help Group. His guidance has inspired others in Padmapur district to embrace mushroom cultivation, opening new doors for income generation.
"It feels good to help others. If my journey can motivate even one farmer to take up mushroom farming, then I’ve done something worthwhile," Bishikeshan says with humility.
Why Mushroom Farming? Bishikeshan’s Advice to Fellow Farmers
According to Bishikeshan, mushroom farming offers several advantages over traditional crops. "With crops like paddy, you have to wait four months to see any profit. But with mushrooms, you start earning in just 15 days," he explains.
He also emphasizes the environmental benefits of mushroom farming. "Many farmers burn their paddy waste, which causes pollution. Instead, they could use that waste for mushroom cultivation and make much more profit."
For Bishikeshan, mushroom farming is not just a source of income but a path to a better future. "Mushrooms changed my life. They’ve given me a new perspective on farming and what it can achieve."
Story of Dedication, Innovation, and Community Impact
Bishikeshan Sahu’s journey from traditional farming to mushroom cultivation shows that anything can be achieved with a vision, dedication, and a willingness to embrace change. Through his innovative practices, he has not only improved his own life but has also empowered his community to explore new opportunities in agriculture.
As Bishikeshan continues to dream of expanding his farm and reaching new markets, his story serves as an inspiration to farmers everywhere, proving that with the right mindset, farming can be both sustainable and highly profitable.
