Juile Ahmed Kushtia Correspondent: Saiful Islam from Sadar Upazila has achieved success in commercial mushroom farming in Kushtia. This individual, who began growing mushrooms with a loan of only 6,000 taka, is currently making between 1.5 lakh and 1.7 lakh taka monthly. He has not only achieved self-sufficiency, but 500 individuals in the  region have acquired the technique of mushroom farming from him.

Saiful’s mushroom store is situated at the start of the road leading to Sadar Hospital, at the bustling Saddam Bazar junction in Kushtiacity. A variety of tasty meals using mushrooms are created here. Mushrooms are available in dried and powdered varieties as well. Two workers are consistently occupied making mushroom khabar. Saiful handles the accounting tasks.

Saiful Islam stated, “I began mushroom cultivation in 2018.”I was employed by various companies. Following my job loss, I went back home and launched a venture. I became disoriented after experiencing setbacks there. I recalled that I had received training in mushroom farming while I was employed. “I then came up with the idea of cultivating mushrooms.”

He stated, “During that period, I possessed no funds.” I struggled a lot to borrow 6,000 taka and began growing mushrooms. I purchased 100 units of spawn from the Savar Mushroom Center. At present, I generate approximately 8,000 spawn for each shipment. My farm has the capacity to hold roughly 15,000 spawn. “I cultivate mushroom mycelium, spawn, and tissue cultures here.”

This accomplished business owner mentioned, “Numerous individuals often spoke unkindly to me due to my mushroom cultivation.” Several friends have even distanced themselves from me due to my creation of frog umbrellas. Consequently, I experienced depression. Nonetheless, I gained confidence through the guidance and assistance of the Agriculture Office.

Saiful said, “I have 15-16 people working here. We produce 40-60 kg of mushrooms every day. We sell them for 200 taka per kg. I have also set up a sales center. Two workers work there. They make various delicious dishes from mushrooms there. In the beginning, I could not sell mushrooms, but now, due to the demand for mushrooms, I do not have time to dry them. If we can dry them, we can export them abroad.”

He said, “Currently, I have created a capital of around 25-26 lakh taka. I earn 150,000 to 170,000 taka every month. My wish is to supply mushroom seeds all over the country. Through which I can eliminate unemployment of 60 to 80 thousand people.”

This entrepreneur said, “I have trained about 500 people from here in mushroor cultivation. 10 percent of them are still alive. They are also producing mushrooms commercially. Women are getting more motivated because they can cultivate mushrooms from home.”

Saiful said, “The Sustainable Agriculture Extension Project in Jessore region is providing part-time support in mushroom cultivation, marketing, and consulting. I have received training from this project on mushroom cultivation and marketing. They provided the necessary materials free of charge. In the future, some machineries for drying and  packaging are expected to be provided free of charge, and I will benefit even more if I get them.”

Mostafizur Rahman of Kumarkhali, who came to see Saiful’s mushroom farm, said, “I came to see and learn about this farm. I want to start a mushroom farm at my own home. This is a very profitable business. Many people like me are coming.”

Shirina Akhter, a resident of Jagati area of ​​Kushtia, has started commercial mushroom cultivation after receiving training from Saiful. She is now preparing mushroom spawn (seeds) and cultivating them herself after learning about mushroom cultivation firsthand from Saiful Islam on YouTube on her mobile phone.

Shirina Akhter said, “I used to sew Kantha along with household chores. Now I am cultivating mushrooms. I started cultivating with 500 packets of mushroom spawn in a small room in my house. I have already started selling mushrooms. In total, I spent about 20,000 taka. I hope I will get 50,000 taka worth of mushrooms this season. It can be done at home and women can do it quite easily.”

Local Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer Nasim Reza said, “You don’t need a separate land for mushroom cultivation. Mushrooms can be cultivated at home. We are providing training and material support to farmers through the Sustainable Agriculture Extension Project in Jessore region. In this area, I saw Saiful and 30 farmers are cultivating mushrooms with enthusiasm.”

Kushtia Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Rupali Khatun said, “We are providing Saiful Islam with farmer training and entrepreneurial training in marketing under the Sustainable Agriculture Extension Project in Jessore region to expand mushroom cultivation. In addition, we provided him with a mushroom exhibition. Through which he is producing mushrooms commercially. He is already selling mushrooms through a sales center in the city. He is making and selling various delicious mushroom dishes.”

Rabiul Islam, Project Director of the Sustainable Agriculture Extension Project in Jessore region, said, “Mushrooms are very nutritious vegetables. It is very profitable to cultivate. We are providing training and demonstrations to farmers to expand its cultivation. We are providing overall support in marketing and, in addition to training mushroom entrepreneurs, we are distributing their necessary processing equipment free of charge. Through which new agricultural entrepreneurs and farmers are becoming quite successful in cultivating this mushroom.”

He also said, “Saiful from Sadar Upazila of Kushtia is one of our successful agricultural entrepreneurs. He is producing mushrooms with our cooperation.