Kuldeep Bisht: Towards employment and self-reliance through mushroom production and food processing

Kuldeep Bisht, a resident of Bhainskoti village in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, has taken an inspiring initiative in the field of mushroom production and food processing. He is the director of JMD Farms, which was started in 2018. Under this firm, Kuldeep not only did mushroom production but also manufactured and marketed mushroom products such as pickles, biscuits, and supplements. His efforts are aimed not only at increasing awareness among people about mushrooms but also at providing employment opportunities to the local people.

The journey of mushroom production and the importance of training

Kuldeep says, “There are many possibilities in mushroom cultivation in a hilly area like Uttarakhand, as the climate and temperature here is conducive to mushroom production.” Kuldeep recognized this opportunity and started training people in mushroom production. He inspired people not only from Uttarakhand but also from other states by training them for self-employment. Kuldeep has played an important role in making the local farmers self-reliant through the initiation of mushroom production and its technical information.

Innovation and local identity in food processing

Kuldeep Bisht has taken a unique initiative of innovations in mushroom-based food processing in Uttarakhand. Through his JMD Farms, he not only produces mushrooms but also focuses on the variety of products made from it. These products include mushroom pickles, mushroom biscuits, and mushroom supplements, which are beneficial for health as well as tasty. His aim is to get these natural and nutritious products of Uttarakhand recognized at the national level.

Kuldeep’s innovation journey

Kuldeep said, “We started mushroom production on a small scale initially, but as we realized its benefits and demand in the market, we stepped into food processing.” He started preparing a variety of mushroom-based products using local products. This was not just a business initiative but also a means for him to provide healthy and natural products to the people of Uttarakhand.

Growing demand for mushroom-based products

According to Kuldeep, “Today’s consumers are health conscious, and as such the demand for nutritious foods like mushrooms is increasing.” Inspired by the health benefits of mushrooms, Kuldeep found new ways to use it, including products like mushroom pickles and biscuits. Mushroom pickles are very popular among his customers, especially among those who want to include healthy food in their diet. Similarly, mushroom biscuits are a unique product, which he has focused on making delicious with the nutritional properties of mushrooms.

Efforts towards development and self-reliance

Kuldeep is also pursuing the marketing strategy of his products in a systematic manner. Apart from Uttarakhand, his products are also sent to various states of the country. He is planning to set up a processing unit in his village, which will provide employment to more than 300 people. His dream is that his village should become a hub of mushroom processing, so that local people can get employment here and the problem of migration is reduced.

New market for mushroom products

Kuldeep says, “We want Uttarakhand’s mushroom products to make a special identity for themselves across the country. The demand for our products is constantly increasing due to their quality.” Their products, such as mushroom supplements, are rich in nutrients and are becoming popular among health-conscious people. They are also planning to export mushroom-based supplements and products internationally in the coming time.

Plan of employment generation and processing unit

According to Kuldeep, his next step is to set up a processing unit in his village, which will provide employment to the people of the village. There is a plan to provide employment to more than 300 people through this unit. Kuldeep says, “Our aim is to develop Bhainskoti village as a mushroom village, so that local people can get employment here and migration stops.”

Government assistance and awards

Although Kuldeep has not availed any government scheme so far, his efforts have been appreciated. They were included in the top 10 startups of Uttarakhand in 2024, and in 2022 they were honored by the Honorable Governor at the Spring Festival. In addition, they also received honors at the Saras Festival.

The future of the mushroom industry and Kuldeep’s thinking

Kuldeep says, “The demand for mushrooms is increasing rapidly in India. With increasing awareness about health, the trend of including mushrooms in the diet has also increased.” Kuldeep also aims to make his products reach the international level. He says, “Our aim is that the mushrooms of Uttarakhand make their mark globally and the people of our village get a better future.” 

Kuldeep Bisht’s efforts are setting a new record in the field of food processing and mushroom production in Uttarakhand. His innovative thinking and efforts are not only providing employment to the local people, but Uttarakhand is also emerging as an example in mushroom production across the country. Kuldeep’s example proves that if work is done with the right strategy, hard work, and innovation, it is possible to achieve self-sufficiency in agriculture and food processing.