New Delhi: In the quaint town of Pipli in Puri district, Odisha, Santosh Mishra's Kalinga Mushroom Centre stands as a testament to innovation and perseverance. This centre, founded by Santosh, a BJB College graduate from Dandamukunda Pur village, has revolutionised mushroom cultivation in the region. Santosh's journey was not without challenges. Despite his academic prowess, financial hurdles prevented him from pursuing further education.


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 In 1989, with just Rs 36 saved over the years, he enrolled in a mushroom farming training program at the Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT) in Bhubaneswar. This decision marked the beginning of a remarkable entrepreneurial journey. Understanding the technical complexities of mushroom farming, Santosh sought advice from OUAT scientists to overcome issues like high moisture, fungal contamination, and inadequate lighting.


His persistence paid off. Starting with 100 beds in a shed, financed by a loan from his father, Santosh harvested an impressive 150 kg of mushrooms by May 1989. Santosh's first significant sale was 5.2 kg of oyster mushrooms for Rs 120 to corporate offices near his college. This success was just the beginning. A subsequent loan of Rs 60,000 enabled him to expand his venture to 3,000 beds, leading to him being dubbed a 'mushroom millionaire' in the 1990s, with a daily income of over Rs 2500.


More than just a business, Santosh's centre has become a beacon of hope and opportunity. He has provided free training to over one lakh individuals, focusing on women and those from underprivileged backgrounds. His paid training programs have benefited over 9 lakh people across multiple states. Today, the Kalinga Mushroom Centre produces 2,000 bottles of mushroom spawns daily and cultivates varieties like oyster and paddy straw mushrooms.


Santosh is currently working on establishing a Rs 2 crore food processing unit to produce mushroom flour, pickles, snacks, and more. Santosh Mishra's story is not just about entrepreneurial success; it's about overcoming adversity, empowering communities, and pioneering a sustainable agricultural practice. His journey from a financially constrained student to a mushroom industry leader is an inspiring tale of resilience and innovation.