In the city of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, an intriguing story of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit unfolds. Nidhi Katare, a college professor with an MSc in microbiology, made a remarkable shift from academia to a thriving mushroom farming business.
Her journey, which began with an unexpected twist, has led to monthly earnings of up to Rs 1.5 lakh. Nidhi’s story is a testament to the old saying that when one door closes, another one opens. Seven years ago, she was going to her college in Gwalior to deliver a lecture, only to discover that the building was slated for demolition. Her future seemed uncertain, but Nidhi remained undaunted.
Hailing from Farukhabad in Uttar Pradesh, Nidhi obtained her master’s degree from Jiwaji University in Gwalior.
She began her academic career in 2007, teaching at a private university in Gwalior. Little did she know that her journey would take an unexpected turn.
While teaching, Nidhi introduced her students to the art of mushroom cultivation as part of the curriculum. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for this field and its growth potential.
In 2016, Nidhi had a revelation. She realized she could turn her passion and knowledge into a viable profession. With determination and courage, she ventured into the world of mushroom farming.
In 2017, Nidhi founded “Natural Bio Impact and Research Pvt Ltd,” her mushroom cultivation business. To kickstart her venture, she invested Rs 3,000 in 10 kg of oyster mushroom spawns, which she carefully nurtured in a modest 10 by 10-foot space at home. Her entrepreneurial spirit was evident from the outset.
Before starting her mushroom farm, Nidhi had to rely on suppliers in Delhi and Agra for mushroom spawns.
However, the quality of these spawns was less than ideal. Driven by a commitment to excellence, Nidhi took control of the situation.
That same year, she transformed her 1,500 square-foot ancestral home into a bustling hub for her mushroom cultivation business. With thoughtful planning, she set up a lab equipped with separate rooms for fermentation, immunization, and pasteurization. This investment in infrastructure was pivotal in ensuring the quality and success of her business.
One of the most significant decisions Nidhi made was to produce her mushroom spawns. She now can generate an impressive 1,000 kg of spawns each month, serving at least 150 local farmers. These high-quality spawns are the backbone of her year-round oyster mushroom production.
At present, Nidhi’s farm yields up to 150 kg of mushrooms every two months. She caters to healthcare companies, supplying them with sun-dried mushrooms at Rs 800 per kg and fresh, premium-quality mushrooms at Rs 100 per kg. Her product line also extends to distinctive items like protein powder, pickles, and various food products made from mushrooms.
Nidhi’s passion for teaching remains steadfast, and she continues to educate aspiring biologists in Classes 11 and 12. Her husband, Sanjay Katare, has been a steadfast partner in her entrepreneurial journey. He left his position as a branch manager at Reliance to support Nidhi in marketing and expanding their mushroom business.
Together, Nidhi and Sanjay have turned what could have been a crisis into an inspiring success story. Their commitment, innovation, and dedication to quality have transformed a simple mushroom farming venture into a thriving business.
Nidhi Katare’s story is a reminder that with determination and a willingness to embrace unforeseen opportunities, one can turn life’s unexpected twists into avenues for growth and success.