Mangal Chaudhary of Jokaiya, Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City-11, Kailali, has become a successful commercial mushroom farmer, proving that agriculture can be a profitable source of income and employment.
Chaudhary has been operating his business under Subhash Multipurpose Agriculture Farm for the past six years. He began mushroom farming with a single tunnel and has now expanded to 15 tunnels spread across five katthas of land.
He produces mushrooms throughout the year and says the business generates a good income. “I sell mushrooms worth around NRs 2 million annually. After deducting all expenses, I earn about NRs 1 million in profit each year. This year, I aim to achieve sales of up to NRs 3 million,” he said.
Initially, due to limited knowledge and technical skills, Chaudhary was able to produce mushrooms for only six months a year. However, with experience and improved farming techniques, he now grows mushrooms year-round.
He mainly cultivates oyster mushrooms, which are currently sold in the market at around NRs 250 per kilogram. According to Chaudhary, oyster mushrooms offer higher yields, have strong market demand, and require lower production costs compared to other varieties.
“The production is high, demand is good, and the investment is relatively low. That is why I focus on oyster mushroom cultivation,” he explained.
In addition to generating income for his family, Chaudhary’s farm provides employment to four daily wage workers, who earn between NRs 600 and NRs 800 per day.
Like many commercial mushroom farmers, he says meeting market demand remains a challenge despite the business’s profitability. With increasing demand for mushrooms in recent years, farmers believe mushroom cultivation offers a sustainable and reliable source of livelihood.
Chaudhary says the income from mushroom farming comfortably covers household expenses and his children’s education costs. His success stands as an inspiring example that with dedication and hard work, it is possible to create employment opportunities and earn a good living within Nepal.
