Kathmandu. Roshan Prasad Gupta of Madhuban, Barahakshetra Municipality-11, who started commercial mushroom farming after returning from foreign employment, has been earning a good income. Gupta, who returned home after spending seven years in foreign employment, started mushroom farming with his brother Bharat in 2077 BS with an investment of Rs 50,000. He said that he started his business with the intention of investing the money earned abroad in the country, now he earns more than Rs 15 lakh annually by deducting all expenses.

Gupta said that although he had to incur losses in the year he started mushroom farming, his income has been increasing lately. He has been cultivating mushrooms by constructing six tunnels in about 6 kattha of land and now produces more than 200 kg of mushrooms daily. He said that he has been producing more than 30 tons of mushrooms annually and selling them in the market.

The mushroom produced is sold in Dharan, Itahari, Inaruwa, Duhabi, Gaighat, Rajbiraj, Barahachhetra, Chatara and nearby local markets. He said that there is no shortage of market for the sale of mushrooms. At present, the mushroom is sold at Rs 180 to Rs 190 per kg, while the traders who buy it from the farm take it at a cheaper price.

“The price of mushrooms has decreased this year compared to last year. “, said Gupta. He said that the price of mushrooms is better in the months of November, December and January as compared to the summer season, so the price of mushroom is up to Rs 220 per kg.

“Even though I worked hard abroad, it was difficult to meet the expenses. “, he said. He said that he was satisfied that he was able to earn income while doing business in the country and also provide employment to others.

At present, 6 workers are working in his farm, and his family members are also helping in mushroom farming. He said that the family members used to pluck, manage and transport the mushrooms to the market.

“Mushroom farming does not require a lot of land. “You can earn good income even from a small area,” said Gupta. “The mushroom planted in March is suitable for harvesting from the last week of April. It can be produced for about 10 months in a year,” he said.

Gupta said that in the beginning, he had to face problems due to lack of knowledge and technology related to agriculture, but as the experience increased, both production and income increased. He said that although the knowledge related to mushroom farming was less in the initial days, now with the increase in experience and skills, it has become easier to run the business and the income has also increased.

He said that especially straw, lime, bamboo, straw and plastic are needed for farming. He said that the demand for organic mushrooms is increasing as mushrooms are produced without using any pesticides in the farm.

Gupta had received a grant of Rs 100,000 from Sunsari Agriculture Knowledge Center and Rs 90,000 from Barahachhetra Municipality in 2080 BS. He said that it has become easier to cultivate after receiving mini-tractors, safaris, tunnels and other agricultural materials from the municipality at 50 percent subsidy.

“If you put in a little hard work and hard work, you can earn a good income in Nepal. “Gupta said, “It is not necessary that the youth have to go for foreign employment, they can make a living by running a business with a small investment in the village.” ’