A progressive farmer from Balloke village in Barnala district has successfully carved out an agricultural niche by cultivating the rare medicinal mushroom Cordyceps militaris. His venture now yields an annual income of nearly Rs 8 lakh.
Farmer's Journey into Mushroom Cultivation
Rashpal Singh, a 41-year-old arts graduate, has been cultivating this mushroom for the past eight years. He established a controlled-environment cultivation unit about nine years ago in approximately 100 square feet with an initial investment of around Rs 2 lakh. The venture now provides him with a substantial annual income.
Rashpal explained, "The mushroom is grown under controlled temperature conditions ranging between 20 degrees Celsius and 22 degrees Celsius and is ready for harvest within four months. Unlike conventional crops, Cordyceps cultivation requires only a small indoor space and relatively low recurring costs after the initial setup."
Pioneer in Punjab
Claiming to be the first farmer in the state to cultivate the medicinal mushroom, Rashpal said his interest developed after attending a button mushroom cultivation training programme at the Barnala Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in 2017. To master the technique, he studied biology textbooks and scientific research papers on tissue culture and mushroom cultivation.
Widely known for its medicinal properties, Cordyceps is traditionally associated with the Himalayan region. "However, after extensive research and experimentation, I succeeded in cultivating the mushroom in Punjab by creating suitable laboratory and environmental conditions," the farmer added.
Market Demand and Earnings
The mushroom currently sells for nearly Rs 1 lakh per kg. Rashpal noted that demand comes mainly from patients, athletes, weightlifters, and health-conscious consumers. He earned around Rs 8 lakh from the crop's sale in 2025. Besides supplying across Punjab and other parts of India, he also receives orders from abroad, including Canada, the US, Italy, and the UK.
Recognition from Officials
Barnala Deputy Commissioner Harpreet Singh lauded Rashpal's efforts, stating, "Rashpal's success is a matter of pride for Barnala and Punjab since a local farmer has emerged as a pioneer in the cultivation of such a rare medicinal mushroom. His achievement can motivate other farmers to explore high-value crops and innovative agricultural practices."
