Samman 2024: Farmer Pawan Kumar sets new benchmarks in high-tech mushroom production

Pawan Kumar, a resident of Hasanpur village in the South-West area of ​​Delhi, is an inspirational farmer who left traditional farming and made his mark in high-tech mushroom production. Born on 17 January 1970, Pawan Kumar started mushroom production in 2016 and today it has become a successful startup of his life. After 8 years of hard work and dedication, Pawan Kumar’s mushroom farm is now spread over 5000 sq. ft. and operates with a production capacity of 300 tons.

Pawan Kumar has proved that with the right approach and technical knowledge, farmers can not only become self-reliant but also create employment opportunities for others.

Startup and Innovation

Mr. Pawan Kumar took training in mushroom production from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ujwa, Delhi in 2016. He initially cultivated “White Button Mushroom” in 900 sq. ft. area of ​​his farm. After this, he started cultivating “Portobello Mushroom”, which was a new crop in Delhi and surrounding areas.

To make mushroom production modern and profitable, he also took training from Mushroom Research Center, Solan.

Production and Expansion

Today Pawan Kumar’s mushroom farm is spread over an area of ​​5000 square feet and works with a production capacity of 300 tons. He has linked mushroom production with high technology and management.

• Processing: Preparing compost, controlling pH level, and creating a favorable environment for mushrooms.

Production: Ensuring the quality of white button and portobello mushrooms.

• Marketing: Delivering mushrooms directly to customers and supplying to five-star hotels and caterers.

Economic benefits and employment

Pawan Kumar’s startup today is doing a turnover of more than Rs 26.10 lakh annually. • Cost and profit: The average price of mushrooms is ₹130-150 per kg, giving him a net profit of about 25-30%.

• Employment generation: Apart from 10-11 permanent employees, he also employs seasonal workers who work on his farm when needed.

Education and training

Pawan Kumar is not only a successful farmer but also a trainer. He has taught mushroom production techniques to more than 300 farmers from across the country.

• Training model:

Practical training of 15-20 days.

• Knowledge of compost preparation, production and marketing.

Understanding of supply chain and market.

• Benefits for farmers:

40-45 farmers in Delhi and other states have set up their farms by adopting his model.

• Now 25-30 small mushroom farms are running in Delhi with the inspiration of Pawan Kumar.

Honors and Achievements

Mr. Pawan Kumar has received many awards and honors for his remarkable contribution:

1. Millionaire Farmer Award: By Dr. U.S. Gautam, DDG (ICAR).

2. Letter of Appreciation: By Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ujwa, Delhi for dissemination of mushroom production techniques.

3. Successful Farmer (Mushroom Production): Telecast of his story on Doordarshan Kisan Channel, which is also available on YouTube.

4. International Recognition: Representatives from various countries visited his farm and appreciated his techniques.

Social Contribution

Pawan Kumar not only achieved success in mushroom production, but also became a source of inspiration for other farmers and youth.

• Local Employment: Providing employment opportunities to youth through his farm.

Training Program: Teaching mushroom production techniques to farmers across the country.

• Health and Quality: To provide nutritious food to consumers with high quality mushroom production.

Future Plans

Pawan Kumar dreams of turning his mushroom farm into a model farm where farmers can come and learn and start new startups.

• Innovation: Production and research of new mushroom species.

International Market: To make mushrooms grown in India reach internationally.

• Social Impact: To train as many farmers as possible and make them self-reliant.

Pawan Kumar’s story proves that with the right approach, hard work and technical knowledge, any farmer can touch the heights of success.

His message is: “Farming is not just limited to land; it is also a means of advancement with innovation and technology. Through high-tech farming like mushroom production, farmers can not only increase their income but also create employment opportunities for others.”

The life and work of Shri Pawan Kumar is an inspiration not only for the farmers of Delhi but for the farmers of the entire country. His success story shows that if hard work is done in the right direction, any farmer can become self-reliant.