Jayachand Thota, from Vijayawada, turned a Rs 2,000 investment into a lucrative mushroom business, producing 70-100 kg daily. He now trains others, showcasing the potential of low-capital, high-profit mushroom cultivation.
Jayachand Thota, a resident of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, transformed a modest investment of just Rs 2,000 into a thriving business, earning lakhs every month. He cultivates mushrooms, producing 70 to 100 kg daily and selling them at Rs 300 per kg. Today, he is not only a successful entrepreneur but also shares his expertise by training people in mushroom cultivation internationally. Jayachand Thota’s journey is a true inspiration for anyone aspiring to build a successful business with minimal initial capital.
Jayachand spent his childhood in Vijayawada, where the aroma and taste of mushrooms during the rainy season left a lasting impression on him. This early connection made mushrooms close to his heart. His father ran a transport business, and Jayachand observed the challenges of driving and maintaining vehicles. Wanting to avoid the complexities of such a business, he sought an enterprise with low capital investment and minimal risk.
Jayachand Thota decided to venture into mushroom cultivation, primarily due to its low cost and high profit potential. Milky mushrooms, in particular, are well-suited for warm climates, making them an ideal choice for cultivation. Additionally, the mushroom market in India is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for their high nutritional value and health benefits.
After completing his BSc in Agriculture, Jayachand Thota trained in mushroom cultivation at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) in Bengaluru. He sourced milky mushroom spawn from there, as these mushrooms offer several advantages. Milky mushrooms can be grown year-round in certain areas, and they thrive in temperatures ranging from 30 to 35 degrees Celsius, unlike button mushrooms, which require cooler climates. Additionally, milky mushrooms can be stored for up to 10 days, making them a highly practical choice for cultivation.
Jayachand Thota began his mushroom farming journey in 2005 with just Rs 2,000. However, his initial efforts were met with setbacks, as the first two batches were contaminated due to his lack of experience. This proved to be a significant challenge for him. Undeterred, Jayachand worked as a trainee with a relative, gaining in-depth knowledge of mushroom cultivation.
In 2007, he built a small shed near his home and established Thanusri Mushroom, purchasing 50 kg of spawn from IIHR. He sold his first harvest to customers he had met during his training. This marked a turning point in his journey, and from then on, he never looked back. Today, he produces and sells 100 kg of mushroom spawn daily. Moreover, Jayachand has also provided training in mushroom cultivation in Dubai and South Africa.
Also read: How this Rajasthan man cultivated Kashmiri Kesar at home using innovative methods
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