To start a successful small-scale mushroom business, first focus on cultivation techniques and market demand. In one square meter of mycelium, you can grow 30 kg of mushrooms. A 560 m2 room can grow about 17 tons. Mushrooms have a short 13 day shelf life after harvest.
You need land for a mushroom farming business. Startup costs range widely depending on the initial operation size. Costs are low among starter crops. Home-based operations have lower costs than large ones. Main costs are for ventilation, temperature control, concrete floors and outdoor space.
Knowledge is Key
Gather knowledge about mushroom varieties, requirements for growing, and harvesting techniques to earn more profit. Some good varieties to start with are oyster mushrooms. Small mushrooms can grow in 1 day. Medium to larger mushrooms grow in 3-4 days.
You’ll need spawn to start the mushroom culture, or you can buy ready inoculatable spawn from suppliers. Many growers use straw or wood chips as the substrate.
The Market and Profitability
The mushroom industry was valued at $46 billion in 2020. The growth rate is expected at 9.5% from 2021-2028.
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