Kerala Mother-Son Duo Earns ₹40,000 a Day Through Innovative Mushroom Farming
Kerala Mother-Son Duo Earns ₹40,000 a Day Through Innovative Mushroom Farming
From a single bed to a 20,000-bed farm, Leena and Jithu Thomas turn a hobby into a flourishing agribusiness with a focus on quality, empowerment, and community growth
In the quiet town of Piravom, Kerala, a remarkable success story has taken root. Leena Thomas and her son Jithu Thomas have built a thriving mushroom farming business that now earns them around ₹40,000 per day. What began as a casual experiment with a single mushroom bed has evolved into a full-fledged agricultural enterprise, driven by passion, innovation, and perseverance.
Jithu initially engaged in the hobby alongside his mother, but soon realized the commercial potential of mushroom cultivation. With each cycle of trial and error, the duo learned crucial lessons and gradually laid the foundation for a scalable business. Today, their high-density mushroom farm spans 5,000 square feet, houses over 20,000 beds, and produces approximately 4 tonnes of fresh mushrooms every month.
Maintaining the right climate is vital to their success, as mushrooms are extremely sensitive to temperature and environmental changes. The mother-son team has designed their farm with precision, accommodating four times the conventional number of beds in the same space while ensuring a controlled environment. This innovation allows them to meet consistent daily demand and maintain high quality.
Their operation now employs 15 people, with a strong focus on women’s empowerment, 80 percent of the workforce are women. The mushrooms are sold directly to retailers, avoiding middlemen and ensuring better margins while keeping prices competitive for consumers.
Leena’s Mushroom has also diversified beyond farming. The business offers starter kits, spawn, mushroom beds, and fully equipped grow rooms. They provide consultancy services and training programs for aspiring mushroom farmers, combining theoretical insight with hands-on experience to help others start their own ventures.
The story of Leena and Jithu is a testament to what sustained effort, innovation, and community spirit can achieve. Their journey not only reflects entrepreneurial success but also serves as a source of inspiration for many who dream of turning passion into purpose.
