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Although Janaki, a mushroom farmer of Thiruvananthapuram says that the production and demand can only grow simultaneously, her own case is a mushrooming growth of business.  Started 4 years ago at the prompting of her husband Sreekumar, an agricultural officer, her ‘Swadishta Mushroom’ now sells 15kg per day.  Every week she sells 1000 packets of seeds and 1 ton mushroom compost.

Graduate in science and post graduate in English literature, Janaki was working in a publishing house before marriage.  Resigning her job to look after household duties, she however was looking for a self employment opportunity.  It was then that she turned to mushroom farming at the behest of her husband. 

After initial attempts, she enrolled herself in a training programme at Agricultural College, Vellayani, which gave her knowledge and confidence to carry on.  The production was easy, once quality factors were taken care of.  But marketing remained the more daunting task. 

Her initial customers were her neighbours.  Based on their appreciation, more and more customers started coming.  And now she engages a person at Rs.3000 per month to distribute the product in her own vehicle.  She provides training in mushroom cultivation at her home.  With some of them, she has entered into contract farming agreement to provide quality mushrooms.  With this arrangement, the small farmers have an assured market, while Janaki is able to meet the increasing demand for ‘Swadishta Mushroom’.

She produces few value added products like mushroom cutlets and pickles, which are marketed through bakeries and hotels.

She employs 10 persons to assist her.  In addition, there are trainees also.  They are paid a stipend of Rs.25 per day.  All of them have their lunch with Janaki at her home.  And some of the dishes would surely be mushroom-based.

T.K.Sunil Kumar (text), Leen Thobias (photo), Karshakashree, February 2005

Courtesy: Malayala Manorama, February 7, 2005

Contributed by: Administrator 

"He lacks most that long most."