If you’ve ever been curious about growing mushrooms at home, 24-year-old Jithu Thomas from Ernakulam, Kerala, is living proof that it can turn into a profitable venture. Along with his mother Leena, Jithu runs Leena’s Mushroom Farm, a 1,200 sq ft setup that now produces 150–200 kg of oyster mushrooms daily and earns over Rs 12 lakh per month.
Jithu began experimenting with mushroom cultivation at the age of 19. What started as a home project with his mother has blossomed into a thriving agri-business. Now, he shares practical advice for beginners who want to cultivate oyster mushrooms at home—an ideal choice due to their fast-growing nature and manageable care requirements.
🌱 Step-by-Step Guide to Start Oyster Mushroom Farming at Home
1. Invest in Quality Spawn (Seeds):
The first step is sourcing high-quality mushroom spawn from a reliable supplier. Jithu emphasizes that healthy crops begin with good seed quality, which plays a major role in the success of your first batch.
2. Start Small, Grow Smart:
Use a corridor, balcony, or small room to set up your initial mushroom beds. Don’t go big right away—focus on learning the basics and observing results.
3. Six-Month Learning Phase:
Treat the first six months as your trial period. This phase helps you understand the ideal environment and how to troubleshoot issues like contamination or low yield.
4. Understand the Fragility of the Crop:
Despite their short harvest cycle, oyster mushrooms are delicate. A minor temperature shift or pest issue can wipe out a crop. Careful monitoring of humidity and hygiene is essential.
5. Consistency is Key:
Mushroom farming rewards those who are regular with care and maintenance. Even through Kerala’s floods and the pandemic, Jithu and Leena succeeded by staying consistent and using a scientific approach.
With minimal space and effort, oyster mushroom farming can turn into a sustainable side hustle or even a full-fledged business. All it takes is quality spawn, patience, and consistency.
