An official statement on Friday said the initiative is designed not just to generate rural employment, but also to encourage farmers to move beyond traditional farming methods. Women have emerged as key beneficiaries and active participants in this growing sector.

One such success story is Geeta Devi from Mathura, who started mushroom farming two-and-a-half years ago with state government support. Backed by a project worth INR 1.61 crore and a loan of INR 70 lakh, she now supplies mushrooms to Mathura, Agra, and Delhi, earning an annual income of INR 20–25 lakh. Her success has turned her into a role model for local communities and women farmers from other districts.

Similarly, Sonali Sabharwal from Hardoi has taken up mushroom farming as a mission, training and encouraging rural women to pursue this high-potential venture.

Farmers in Lucknow, Mathura, Saharanpur, Mirzapur, Jaunpur, Hardoi, Raebareli, and Bhadohi are earning significant profits through mushroom cultivation, the statement said.

To support this, the Uttar Pradesh government is providing resources under schemes such as the Atmanirbhar Krishak Samnvayit Vikas Yojana and the Agri Infrastructure Fund (AIF). These programmes help farmers obtain loans with 3% interest subsidies from both central and state governments, making it easier to access credit for setting up mushroom units.

Farmers are also receiving technical training, field visits, and workshop support to master mushroom cultivation techniques, ensuring they can adopt modern, scientific methods and tap into the growing market demand.

Officials said the state aims to position mushroom farming as a key component of profitable agriculture in Uttar Pradesh, encouraging farmers to diversify incomes and build resilience against climate and market risks.