In the heart of India, Rishabh and Ayush Gupta from Agra have turned their passion for farming into a remarkable success story. What started as a pursuit of organic farming has blossomed into a thriving mushroom farming business, earning them ₹2 lakh daily. Their journey is one of innovation, perseverance, and unconventional methods that allowed them to carve out a niche in the agriculture sector.
The Beginning: From Delhi to Agra
Rishabh and Ayush Gupta’s story begins in Delhi, where their family initially lived. Rishabh worked in a bank in Dubai, and Ayush was a student, exploring his academic interests. However, everything changed when the pandemic hit, forcing Rishabh to return home. This shift in plans led the Gupta family to move from Delhi to Shamsabad, a small town near Agra, where they owned three acres of land.

Farming had always intrigued Rishabh, and with the change in circumstances, he decided to venture into it. Despite not having a farming background, he was driven to experiment with new agricultural methods. Ayush, who had just completed his BBA degree in London, decided to join his brother in this bold new venture. Together, they pooled their resources and knowledge to kick-start their farming journey.
The Early Days: Organic Cucumbers and Mushroom Cultivation
Initially, the brothers focused on growing organic English Cucumbers. They were eager to introduce this high-demand crop in their local area, but they quickly realized that they didn’t want to be restricted by conventional farming practices. While researching different crops and farming methods, they stumbled upon the idea of mushroom cultivation.

Mushrooms, especially button mushrooms, seemed like a promising option. However, cultivating mushrooms was not common in the region, and the brothers knew they would have to experiment with unconventional techniques to succeed. Undeterred by the challenges, Rishabh and Ayush began researching mushroom farming, learning about the different methods, and adapting their plans accordingly.
Innovation and Hard Work: The Cold Chamber Method
The Gupta brothers set up a state-of-the-art cold chamber for growing mushrooms. This cold chamber allowed them to control the temperature, humidity, and other essential factors needed for year-round mushroom cultivation. This method is not commonly used in India, making their approach even more innovative. The cold chamber also minimized the risk of contamination, ensuring a cleaner and healthier yield.
Unlike traditional mushroom farming, which can be highly dependent on external weather conditions, this method enabled the brothers to produce mushrooms consistently throughout the year. As a result, they were able to secure a steady income stream from their farm, avoiding the seasonal fluctuations that often affect traditional crops.
The Results: Daily Mushroom Harvests of 1,600 Kilograms
Thanks to their hard work, experimentation, and innovative farming techniques, Rishabh and Ayush Gupta’s mushroom farm quickly began to yield impressive results. They now harvest approximately 1,600 kilograms of mushrooms every day. Out of this, 1,300 kilograms are classified as ‘A’ grade mushrooms, which are sold at premium prices for fresh consumption. The remaining 300 kilograms are ‘B’ grade mushrooms, which are typically used in the canning industry due to their irregular shapes.
The price of mushrooms fluctuates depending on the season. Typically, prices range between ₹90 per kilogram to ₹180 per kilogram, with an average price of ₹134 per kilogram. With their daily harvest, the brothers earn a steady income of more than ₹2 lakh every single day. Their success is a result of their innovative farming practices, their dedication to quality, and their ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
Challenges Faced Along the Way
Like any entrepreneurial venture, the path to success was not without its challenges. Rishabh and Ayush faced several hurdles in the early stages of their mushroom farming business. They encountered issues with the local supply of raw materials, had to overcome technical challenges related to setting up the cold chamber, and dealt with the inherent risks of starting a new venture in a relatively untested industry.
However, the brothers’ resilience and willingness to learn from their mistakes played a crucial role in their eventual success. They constantly experimented, adjusted their methods, and sought advice from experts in the field. Their willingness to adapt to the evolving needs of the business allowed them to overcome each obstacle and turn their mushroom farm into a thriving business.
The Business Model: High Efficiency, Low Risk
One of the key reasons behind the Gupta brothers’ success lies in their ability to operate a highly efficient farm. By using their cold chamber to grow mushrooms in a controlled environment, they reduce the risk of contamination and ensure a consistent yield. Additionally, their farm operates at full capacity year-round, which means they don’t have to rely on seasonal cycles for income.
The farm’s daily output of 1,600 kilograms of mushrooms is sold to local markets, restaurants, and canning companies. The brothers also sell their ‘A’ grade mushrooms directly to consumers, ensuring that they get the best price for their high-quality products. The ‘B’ grade mushrooms, while not suitable for direct consumption, still generate revenue through the canning industry, further contributing to the farm’s profitability.
The Future: Expanding the Business
Looking ahead, Rishabh and Ayush are focused on expanding their business. They plan to invest in more advanced farming techniques, improve the cold chamber’s capacity, and explore new markets for their products. They also plan to diversify their product offerings by experimenting with different varieties of mushrooms and other crops that can be grown using similar innovative methods.
The brothers are also keen to share their success story with others, encouraging young farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs to consider unconventional farming methods as a viable option. Their journey proves that with the right mindset, innovation, and hard work, it’s possible to turn even the most challenging circumstances into an opportunity for success.
Conclusion
The story of Rishabh and Ayush Gupta is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and a willingness to think outside the box. From starting with organic cucumbers to creating a mushroom farming empire, these two brothers from Agra have shown that unconventional methods can lead to extraordinary results. Today, they earn ₹2 lakh daily from their mushroom farm, a business that started as a dream and grew into a thriving enterprise.
Their success is an inspiration to anyone looking to make a mark in the world of farming and entrepreneurship, proving that with hard work and innovation, even the most unconventional ideas can flourish.