Farmers thrive in mushroom, grain production

By Laxmi Chaudhary

Janakpurdham, June 1 : Two farmers from Madhes Province have earned national recognition for their remarkable achievements in mushroom and food grain production, demonstrating how modern technology, commercial thinking and hard work can transform agriculture into a successful enterprise.

Bidya Devi Mahato from Mahottari and Shailendra Kumar Yadav from Siraha have emerged as inspiring examples of agricultural success after being honoured as outstanding farmers. Their achievements have become a source of motivation for many across Madhes.

Mahato, who operates the Raniminu Mushroom and Agriculture Farm in Gausala-4, Mahottari, began mushroom farming five years ago and has since risen to national prominence. 

She started the venture with limited resources and under difficult circumstances.

After losing investment in her husband’s brick kiln business, the couple decided to invest around Rs. 500,000 in mushroom farming.  Overcoming initial challenges, her farm now produces more than 35 quintals of mushrooms annually. With demand remaining high, managing the market for the produce has also become a major task.

“I never imagined mushroom farming would bring me recognition at the national level,” Mahato said, adding that the business currently generates an annual profit of around Rs. 1.7 million after expenses.

Spread across nearly 10 katthas, her farm has created employment for 12 people.  Her success has also highlighted new opportunities for women in agricultural entrepreneurship in rural areas.  According to her, women can achieve significant success in agriculture if given opportunities and encouragement. Similarly, Yadav, a local of Aurahi Rural Municipality–4 in Siraha, turned to farming after returning from foreign employment.  By adopting modern farming techniques, he has achieved notable success in paddy and wheat cultivation and is now recognised as a model farmer.

Cultivating crops on four bighas of land, Yadav produces between 80 and 90 quintals of paddy and 30 to 40 quintals of wheat annually. His yearly income from farming exceeds Rs. 700,000. He credits improved seeds, scientific plantation methods and proper farm management for increasing productivity.

“People used to mock me for returning from abroad and taking up farming,” Yadav said. “But after seeing my experience and success, many young people are now interested in agriculture.”

Expressing pride at being honoured by the President, Yadav pledged to continue working harder in the agricultural sector.

Last Friday, during a ceremony at Shital Niwas, President Ramchandra Paudel presented both farmers with the Outstanding Farmer Award, including a cash prize of Rs. 200,000 each and certificates of recognition.

Selected from Madhes Province by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment, the honour not only celebrates their individual achievements but also highlights the region’s agricultural potential at the national level.

Their success in two different agricultural fields -- mushroom cultivation and food grain production -- demonstrates that dedication, innovation and perseverance can lead to excellence in farming, making Mahato and Yadav a source of inspiration for thousands of farmers and young people across the country.