In the serene hills of Uttarakhand, where agriculture often struggles against mountainous terrain and harsh climates, two brothers have cultivated not just crops—but opportunity. Sushant Uniyal and his younger brother have built one of the largest oyster mushroom production units in the state, churning out over 100 kg of mushrooms daily and generating a thriving business worth Rs 25 lakh annually.

Their journey from small-scale experimentation to large-scale production is a story of innovation, resilience, and community empowerment.

From Passion to Profession

Hailing from a village near Dehradun, Sushant Uniyal always had a keen interest in sustainable agriculture. After completing his studies in biotechnology, he returned home to explore ways of applying modern techniques to traditional farming.

He discovered mushroom cultivation as a promising option—minimal land requirement, low startup cost, and fast returns. Along with his brother, he began researching oyster mushrooms, known for their high nutritional value and ease of growth.

What started as a backyard trial soon grew into a full-fledged business.

Building Uttarakhand’s Largest Oyster Mushroom Unit

The brothers began small—with just a few mushroom bags. But as demand rose, they scaled quickly. Within two years, they set up a dedicated production unit with temperature-controlled chambers, sterile spawning rooms, and storage facilities, all in the hills of Uttarakhand.

Their production capacity expanded to 100 kg of fresh mushrooms daily, supplying to:

  • Local restaurants and hotels in Dehradun and Mussoorie

  • Farmer markets and organic stores in Rishikesh and Haridwar

  • Wholesale distributors in Delhi and Chandigarh

To meet year-round demand, they introduced climate-controlled indoor growing, allowing multiple harvests irrespective of season.

Empowering the Local Community

What truly sets the Uniyal brothers apart is their commitment to social impact. They have:

  • Employed over 20 locals, mostly women, in tasks like bag preparation, harvesting, and packaging

  • Conducted free training programs for nearby farmers on mushroom cultivation techniques

  • Helped set up micro mushroom units for rural households to ensure food and income security

Their efforts have transformed mushroom farming from a niche idea to a scalable rural enterprise in Uttarakhand.

How They Make Rs 25 Lakh a Year

Let’s break down their business:

  • Daily Production: 100 kg

  • Average Price per kg: ₹70–₹100

  • Monthly Revenue: ₹2–2.5 lakh

  • Annual Turnover: ₹24–30 lakh

After expenses for raw material, electricity, labor, and logistics, they earn a net profit of ₹1.2–1.5 lakh per month.

Key Tips From the Uniyal Brothers

If you’re inspired to start your own mushroom business, here are their top tips:

  1. Start Small & Learn: Begin with 50–100 bags and observe your yield, environment, and local market demand.

  2. Hygiene is Key: Fungal infections can destroy crops. Maintain clean grow rooms and proper sterilization.

  3. Understand Your Market: Don’t just grow mushrooms—know who will buy them and what variety they need.

  4. Invest in Training: Before scaling up, attend a formal workshop or training session from agri experts.

  5. Reuse Wisely: Spent mushroom beds can be turned into compost or cattle feed, reducing waste.

Looking Ahead

The brothers now plan to:

  • Launch a mushroom-based product line (pickles, powders, snacks)

  • Build a cold storage unit for better shelf life and larger distribution

  • Offer online mushroom cultivation courses in regional languages

Their long-term vision? To make Uttarakhand a mushroom farming hub and inspire more youth to return to farming with tech-enabled practices.

Conclusion

In a world increasingly looking for sustainable, healthy, and profitable agricultural models, Sushant Uniyal and his brother have cracked the code. Their mushroom farm is not just a business—it's a movement that combines modern farming, rural employment, and food innovation.

Their journey proves that with the right knowledge and community support, even two brothers in a hill village can build a multi-lakh agribusiness—one mushroom at a time.