Barnala: A 41-year-old progressive farmer from Balloke village in Barnala district has set a benchmark in agricultural innovation through the cultivation of the rare medicinal mushroom Cordyceps militaris. With scientific farming techniques and a small controlled-environment unit spread across just 100 square feet at a cost of Rs 2 lakh, Rashpal Singh — a graduate in humanities — has transformed an unconventional idea into a profitable venture, earning nearly Rs 8 lakh in the past year alone. Rashpal has been cultivating this mushroom for the past eight years, earning Rs 6-8 lakh annually. Rashpal explains that the mushroom crop is harvested within four months and is cultivated in a controlled-temperature environment on a small area rather than in open fields. After the initial investment, the recurring cultivation cost remains relatively low.Claiming to be the first farmer in Punjab to cultivate the mushroom, he said he learned about Cordyceps cultivation during a button mushroom training programme at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Barnala, in 2017. He then studied biology textbooks and research papers to understand the scientific processes and tissue culture techniques involved.He said Cordyceps is generally believed to grow only in the Himalayan region. However, after extensive research, he set up his own laboratory and successfully cultivated the mushroom at temperatures between 20°C and 22°C.Rashpal added that people who are aware of the health benefits of this mushroom purchase it regularly. The mushroom sells for approximately Rs 1 lakh per kilogram. Most of his customers are patients, athletes, weightlifters, and other health-conscious individuals who are familiar with its benefits.He added that, apart from supplying the product across Punjab and various other states, he also receives orders from countries such as Canada, the United States, Italy, and England.Deputy commissioner, Barnala, Harpreet Singh said that progressive farmer Rashpal is an inspiration for others for successfully cultivating a rare medicinal mushroom variety. By adopting scientific farming techniques and generating substantial income, he is setting an example for other farmers and demonstrating the potential of agricultural diversification.Pics: Rashpal Singh with medicinal mushroom
