In a remarkable career pivot that echoes the spirit of entrepreneurship, Raman Gupta, once working in automobile industry, has taken a bold leap into the world of Agritech. Gupta, who hails from Jammu, stunned the business community when he announced his decision to leave his well-established Automobile Business and embrace the challenges of sustainable farming.
Inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he has set out on a mission to transform his 9-acre land into a thriving agritech startup, focusing on integrated farming practices. His venture, named “Mushroom Farm” combines modern technology with traditional farming methods to ensure sustainability and maximize yield. The farm has implemented state-of-the-art mushroom cultivation techniques, it has 10 fully climate controlled mushroom growing rooms which utilize advanced technology to optimize growing conditions, resulting in a consistent and premium-quality yield. The farm has produced 150 tonnes of mushrooms this year and it is the first time this has happened in J&K. They aim to grow 300 tonnes of mushrooms next year. The help received from the department of Agriculture and the department of horticulture has been instrumental in the farm’s success.
However, the farm extends beyond mushrooms and incorporates a diverse range of crops such as organic vegetables, fruits, and medicinal plants. This approach not only enhances the overall yield but also promotes biodiversity and reduces environmental impact. As Gupta navigates the unclear waters of agritech, he hopes that his journey will inspire other entrepreneurs to diversify and contribute to the transformation of India’s agricultural landscape.
“We need to embrace change and invest in sustainable practices for the long-term benefit of our nation. Agriculture is not just about cultivation; it’s about nurturing the land that sustains us all,” he asserts. As Mushroom Farm continues to blossom, it serves as a beacon of hope for a new era in Indian agriculture, one where technology and tradition combine to yield prosperity for both the land and its cultivators.
J&K government is emphasizing upon stakeholders for encouraging and promoting Mushroom Cultivation, a potential entrepreneurship for youth in a big way. With the recent government interventions, forest-dwellers in Jammu Shivaliks are being given formal training and instructions about mushroom collection and processing techniques, market knowledge as well as market access, so that their efforts pay them their rightly earned share. Aside from training and other forms of support, the Jammu and Kashmir government has also been providing a 25% subsidy on the purchase of mushroom-growing racks and a 50% subsidy on a fixed number of ready-made bags for first-time mushroom cultivators.