What began as a small experiment has now become a thriving family enterprise. Jithu Thomas, once just curious about fungi, started growing mushrooms in his backyard with a few packets of spores. Today, alongside his mother Leena Thomas, he has built a booming mushroom farming business that earns an impressive Rs 40,000 per day.

Jithu’s journey into mushroom cultivation was driven by his interest in sustainable farming and organic produce. Initially self-taught through YouTube videos and local workshops, he soon realised the potential of mushrooms as a high-value, fast-growing crop. Leena, always supportive and hands-on, joined in, and together they transformed a corner of their home in Kerala into a mushroom cultivation hub.

From there, they scaled up quickly. Using vertical farming techniques and maintaining strict hygiene protocols, they began producing high-quality oyster mushrooms and milky mushrooms. Their customer base grew steadily, comprising health-conscious consumers, supermarkets, and even top hotels.

Their daily yield now crosses 70–80 kilograms, and with retail prices ranging from Rs 400 to Rs 600 per kg depending on the variety, the income stacks up fast—touching Rs 40,000 a day in peak seasons.

But for Jithu and Leena, the success isn’t just about profits. They are on a mission to educate others, especially women and youth, about the power of mushroom farming. They regularly conduct training sessions, offering hands-on guidance and starter kits to beginners.

Their venture also focuses on low-waste practices, turning leftover mushroom substrates into compost, which is then used in kitchen gardens or sold to local farmers.

From a curious hobby to a high-earning green business, the story of this mother-son duo proves that passion, persistence, and partnership can sprout incredible success—sometimes, quite literally from the ground up.