A group of students at Lovely Professional University (LPU) has launched a mushroom startup, harvesting 62 kg of button mushrooms and 56 kg of oyster mushrooms, according to a university press release. The initiative, which began as a hands-on learning project, has now evolved into a commercial venture with a collective earning of ₹42,000 from mushroom sales.
First Harvest and Yield Targets
The press release stated that the production of oyster mushrooms is expected to reach 170 kg in the next cultivation cycle. Additionally, the students are preparing to begin cultivation of milky mushroom, targeting a yield of 250 kg. A key milestone has been the cultivation of enoki and reishi mushrooms at LPU. "By introducing these premium edible and medicinal varieties, the students have expanded the scope of the project while gaining exposure to advanced cultivation methods with significant commercial potential," the statement said.
| Mushroom Variety | Harvested (kg) | Next Cycle Target (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Button | 62 | — |
| Oyster | 56 | 170 |
| Milky | — | 250 |
| Enoki | Cultivated | Expand |
| Reishi | Cultivated | Expand |
Value-Added Products and Sustainable Practices
The startup extends beyond mushroom production. Guided by principles of value addition and sustainable agriculture, the students have developed innovative products including mushroom-based face oil, hair serum, mushroom soap, and Ganoderma capsules. They have also repurposed spent mushroom substrate to create eco-friendly products such as pan holders, pencils, and animal feed. This demonstrates how agricultural waste can be transformed into marketable resources through circular farming practices, according to the statement.
Their work was showcased at LPU Agrithon, an event where they presented their products and business ideas, receiving appreciation from experts, entrepreneurs, and visitors.
Next Phase and Future Plans
The statement said the next phase of the venture will focus on expanding the cultivation of premium mushroom varieties, including enoki, lion’s mane, and Ganoderma, further strengthening its research and commercial dimensions. "The initiative exemplifies LPU’s EduRevolution approach, where students gain industry-relevant skills by building, testing, and scaling real ventures, graduating not only with academic knowledge but also with entrepreneurial experience and market exposure," it said.
The students applied scientific cultivation techniques and business planning alongside their academic curriculum. The project began as one of hands-on learning, extending classrooms into real-world problem-solving, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
For commodity traders and analysts, this case illustrates a small-scale but model venture in specialty mushroom production—a niche but growing segment in agricultural commodities. The introduction of premium varieties like enoki and reishi, along with value-added processing, could signal emerging supply sources in the Indian market, although volumes remain minimal. The use of circular farming (spent substrate repurposing) adds a sustainability angle that may become relevant for larger agricultural operations.
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