Almora: Uttarakhand: Mushroom Vilage: Under a new district-level horticulture initiative, Devlikhan village in the Havalbag block of Almora district is being developed as a dedicated “Mushroom Village.” The project involves the establishment of 10 mushroom production units with financial support of ₹22.5 lakh approved under the district plan. This effort aims to strengthen the rural economy and provide increased income opportunities for the village’s farmers.
Expected Production and Economic Impact
According to the Horticulture Department, the 10 mushroom units together are projected to produce about 37,000 kg of mushrooms annually. Based on this output, farmers participating in the project are expected to earn around ₹56 lakh per year. Such income levels are anticipated to significantly enhance the livelihood security of households engaged in this initiative.
Subsidies, Training, and Technical Support
To encourage adoption, the government is offering up to 90% subsidy on the establishment of mushroom units. In addition to financial support, the horticulture department will provide mushroom compost and technical training to farmers. This will help cultivate mushrooms using scientific practices and improve profitability.
Each production unit is expected to yield approximately 3,750 kg of mushrooms annually. Based on current estimates, a single unit could generate about ₹5.62 lakh in income for the farmer operating it. When scaled across all 10 units, the collective income potential reaches an estimated ₹56 lakh per year.
Beyond unit establishment, the scheme also includes the distribution of mushroom compost at 50% subsidy to farmers. So far, 72 farmers in the district have received a total of 72 tonnes of subsidized compost, strengthening production capacity and encouraging broader participation.
Mushroom Farming as Rural Livelihood
Mushroom farming is increasingly emerging as a viable income source across Almora and surrounding regions due to its low investment and high returns. Local farmers are showing strong interest in mushroom cultivation, and ongoing support from the horticulture department is helping expand awareness and involvement.
Dr. Narendra Kumar, Chief Horticulture Officer of Almora, described the project as an important new initiative. By expanding scientific mushroom farming, the department aims to enhance nutrition security, self-employment opportunities, and economic resilience among rural communities. The establishment of the mushroom village in Devlikhan is a major step toward achieving these goals.
