Mushrooms are one of the fastest-growing agribusiness opportunities in India. Among them, Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is the most popular due to its high demand, taste, and nutritional value. Button mushroom cultivation can be done throughout the year under controlled conditions, making it a profitable venture for farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and even small growers.
Climate & Growing Conditions
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Temperature: 20–28°C for composting, 16–18°C for cropping.
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Humidity: 80–90% relative humidity is ideal.
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Ventilation: Proper airflow is required to avoid CO₂ build-up.
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Light: Mushrooms need diffused light during cropping but not direct sunlight.
Step-by-Step Cultivation Process
1. Preparation of Compost (कम्पोस्ट की तैयारी)
Compost is the growing medium for button mushrooms.
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Raw materials: Wheat straw, poultry manure, gypsum, urea.
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Method:
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Spread wheat straw, soak it in water for 24–48 hours.
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Mix manure, gypsum, and fertilizers.
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Pile and turn compost every 2–3 days.
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Compost is ready in 18–20 days (dark brown, ammonia-free, spongy).
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2. Spawning (स्पॉनिंग)
Spawning is like seed sowing for mushrooms.
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Use certified mushroom spawn (grain spawn).
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Mix spawn evenly into compost (approx. 7–8 g per kg of compost).
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Fill compost in polythene bags, trays, or beds.
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Cover with newspapers to maintain humidity.
3. Spawn Running (स्पॉन रनिंग)
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Place spawned compost in a dark room at 22–25°C.
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Within 14–16 days, white thread-like mycelium spreads throughout the compost.
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Maintain 90% humidity during this stage.
4. Casing (केसिंग मिट्टी डालना)
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After spawn running, cover compost with a 3–4 cm layer of casing soil.
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Casing mixture: garden soil + sand + calcium carbonate (pasteurized before use).
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Helps retain moisture and promotes fruit body formation.
5. Cropping & Harvesting (फसल और कटाई)
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Maintain 16–18°C temperature and high humidity.
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Mushrooms appear in 15–20 days after casing.
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Harvest when caps are firm and just before they open (button stage).
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Mushrooms are hand-picked by gently twisting.
Yield & Economics
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Average yield: 8–10 kg mushrooms per 100 kg compost.
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With modern techniques, yield can reach 15–20 kg per 100 kg compost.
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Profitability depends on market price (₹100–₹250/kg seasonal).
Nutritional & Commercial Value
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Rich in protein, vitamins (B-complex, D), minerals (iron, potassium).
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Low in calories, high in antioxidants.
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Used in soups, curries, pizzas, and processed foods.
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Growing demand in hotels, restaurants, and export markets.
Tips for Successful Button Mushroom Farming
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Always use disease-free certified spawn.
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Maintain clean and hygienic conditions in the growing room.
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Monitor temperature & humidity regularly.
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Sell fresh in local markets or process into dried/canned mushrooms for longer shelf life.
Conclusion
The cultivation of button mushrooms is a profitable agribusiness with growing market demand in India. With proper compost preparation, controlled climate, and good management practices, farmers can achieve high yields and consistent income.
