How to Grow Oyster Mushrooms at Home: Tips from an Ernakulam Farmer Earning ₹12 Lakh/Month

Mushroom farming has emerged as one of the most profitable and sustainable ventures in recent years. Among those who have mastered this art is Jithu Thomas, an Ernakulam-based farmer who now earns an impressive ₹12 lakh per month from his mushroom farm, Leena's Mushroom Farm. Jithu has turned his passion for mushroom farming into a thriving business, and now he shares his expertise with anyone looking to start their own oyster mushroom cultivation journey.

If you're interested in growing oyster mushrooms at home, this step-by-step guide will help you get started. By following these tips and techniques, you too can experience success in the world of mushroom farming.

1. Selecting High-Quality Spawn

The first step to growing oyster mushrooms at home is to acquire high-quality spawn. Spawn is the material used to propagate mushrooms and can be purchased from reputable suppliers or online marketplaces. Jithu advises always choosing premium spawn to ensure a healthy crop and good yield.

2. Choosing the Right Substrate

Oyster mushrooms grow best on organic substrates such as:

  • Straw: A popular choice, straw is affordable, easy to prepare, and widely available.

  • Sawdust: Rich in nutrients, sawdust is another great substrate for oyster mushrooms.

  • Wood Chips: Hardwood chips like oak or beech offer a longer decomposition period for slow and steady mushroom growth.

  • Cardboard: A cost-effective choice, especially for small-scale home growers.

For beginners, straw is often recommended due to its accessibility and ease of use.

3. Preparing the Substrate

Once you've selected your substrate, it's time to prepare it:

  • Soak the substrate: Soak your straw, sawdust, or wood chips for about 8-12 hours. This hydrates the material and prepares it for pasteurization.

  • Chop the straw: If you're using straw, cut it into 2-3 inch pieces to improve the mycelium colonization process.

4. Inoculating with Spawn

  • Mix spawn with substrate: After the substrate is soaked and drained, mix it with the mushroom spawn in a clean environment. This step is crucial for successful cultivation.

  • Bagging: Fill sterilized bags or containers with the inoculated substrate, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion.

  • Colonization: Store the inoculated substrate in a warm, dark place (24-27°C) for 2-3 weeks to allow the mycelium to colonize the substrate completely.

5. Creating Fruiting Conditions

Once the mycelium has fully colonized the substrate, it's time to introduce fruiting conditions:

  • Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 18-24°C for optimal growth.

  • Humidity: Keep the humidity around 85-90%. You can achieve this by misting the growing area regularly.

  • Light: While mushrooms don’t require direct sunlight, they do need some indirect light to stimulate fruiting. A well-lit room or a shaded outdoor area works best.

  • Air Exchange: Ensure proper ventilation to avoid the build-up of CO2, which can hinder mushroom growth.

6. Harvesting the Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms are ready to be harvested when the caps are fully expanded but still firm. It’s important to harvest them before they flatten out completely. Use a clean knife or gently twist the mushrooms from the substrate for harvesting. If done properly, the mushroom caps should break free without any damage.

7. Post-Harvest Care

After harvesting, let the substrate rest for about 1-2 weeks. During this time, keep it moist but not soaked, and ensure it’s not exposed to direct sunlight. After resting, the substrate will be ready for another flush of mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms can produce multiple flushes of fruiting, so be sure to give them time to regenerate.

Additional Tips from Jithu Thomas:

  • Start Small: Begin with a small batch to learn the process and gradually scale up as you gain confidence.

  • Invest in Quality Equipment: Ensure you have clean, sterilized bags or containers to avoid contamination.

  • Monitor and Learn: Constantly monitor the environmental conditions, and don’t hesitate to adjust the setup if needed.

By following these expert tips from Jithu Thomas, you can start your own mushroom cultivation venture and potentially earn a steady income from it. Whether you’re looking to grow mushrooms as a hobby or turn it into a profitable business, oyster mushroom farming can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

Start small, stay committed, and you may just see your mushrooms grow, along with your success.