Two young brothers, Siddhant and Sarthak Mehrotra, innovative farmers from the town of Ramnagar near Corbett National Park, have turned their visionary ideas into a successful business. What began as a dream to honor their father’s wish to utilize their agricultural land has now evolved into a highly successful venture that is not only providing them substantial returns but also transforming the local agricultural economy.
Turning a Market Gap into a Thriving Venture
The Mehrotra brothers were no strangers to the agricultural challenges their region faced. Hailing from a family with a background in electronics, they decided to venture into something new, something that would blend their entrepreneurial spirit with the changing dynamics of the agriculture sector.
Conversations with their friends in the hotel industry, especially those operating around the Corbett National Park, sparked an idea. The hotels frequently faced shortages in mushroom supplies for their kitchens, prompting the brothers to explore the possibility of setting up a mushroom production unit.
Realizing that there was a gap in the market and no large-scale mushroom production facility in the area, they decided to take the plunge into this niche but promising field. After researching and consulting with government officials at the National Horticulture Board (NHB), they took a bold step forward. They envisioned a high-tech mushroom cultivation unit with an initial capacity of 100 metric tons (MT), which would eventually expand to 180 MT.
Support from the National Horticulture Board
In 2022, Siddhant and Sarthak reached out to the National Horticulture Board, where they were guided through the entire process of project planning and implementation. NHB not only provided valuable technical advice but also offered financial assistance through subsidies, making it easier for them to secure the necessary funds. The brothers also benefited from collaborations with renowned agricultural research institutions, such as the DMRC Solan and GBPUA&T Pantnagar, who introduced them to the latest technologies in mushroom cultivation.
With NHB's assistance, the brothers established their mushroom production unit in early 2023 under the name M/s Vardhman Agro. The unit was equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and technology, including climate-controlled rooms and automated systems for optimal growth conditions. This ensured a consistent supply of high-quality mushrooms that would meet the growing demand from local hotels, restaurants, and markets.
The startup phase was smooth, thanks to the meticulous planning and execution. By March 2023, their mushroom cultivation unit was operational, and the first batch of mushrooms was harvested. With an average cropping cycle of 50-60 days, they achieved a production of 190 MT by the end of 2023-24. At an average sale price of Rs. 115 per kilogram, this translated into a gross revenue of Rs. 2.18 crore.
Despite the high operational costs, which included expenses like bank EMIs, raw materials, and labor, the brothers managed to generate a net income of Rs. 76 lakhs in their first year of full-scale production. The success was not just financial but also a testament to the viability and sustainability of mushroom farming as an alternative, high-value crop in the region.
Eco-Friendly and Entrepreneurial Impact
What sets their venture apart is its ability to combine environmental sustainability with economic profitability. Mushroom cultivation is an eco-friendly process as it makes use of agro-residues and organic waste, which would otherwise contribute to environmental degradation. The brothers not only tapped into an emerging market but also helped manage agricultural waste, turning it into a valuable protein-rich food source.
The success of Vardhman Agro has inspired many other farmers and entrepreneurs in the region to consider mushroom cultivation as a viable business option. Seeing the tremendous potential for growth and profitability, several local farmers have now approached the National Horticulture Board for guidance and financial assistance to set up similar projects. In this way, the Mehrotra brothers’ initiative has had a ripple effect, fostering rural entrepreneurship, empowering women farmers, and providing jobs for local youth.
The story of Siddhant and Sarthak Mehrotra is not just one of business success but also a shining example of how modern technology and innovation can transform traditional agriculture. By embracing advanced farming practices and collaborating with government institutions, they have turned a simple idea into a game-changing business that is not only lucrative but also sustainable and impactful.
Their journey has shown that with the right guidance, technology, and determination, young entrepreneurs can tap into the immense potential of the agricultural sector, even in regions where traditional farming is the norm. The brothers’ success is proof that agriculture can be both modern and profitable, and it has set a powerful example for other aspiring farmers.
Looking to the Future
With the success of their first year and the growing demand for high-quality mushrooms in the region, the Mehrotra brothers are already planning for the future. They aim to expand their unit further, diversify into different varieties of mushrooms, and increase their outreach to markets beyond the local area. Their vision extends beyond just business growth—they hope to inspire and mentor the next generation of mushroom farmers, creating a network of sustainable agricultural businesses that can help transform the rural economy.
(Author: Meenakshi Tiwari, Deputy Director, National Horticultural Board)
