In 2020, as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, assistant professor Sonia Dahiya found herself at a crossroads. While many were confined within the strict boundaries of lockdown life, Sonia saw an unexpected opportunity to transform a small idea into something extraordinary—mushroom farming.
Armed with a PhD in biotechnology, Sonia faced initial skepticism from family and friends who were accustomed to the stability of teaching and government jobs. But undeterred by doubt, she immersed herself in research, studying mushroom cultivation through online courses and scientific papers. With an investment of Rs 40 lakh, she built two growing rooms, hired local help, and embarked on a journey filled with challenges, perseverance, and ultimate success. Thus, ‘Doctor Dahiya Mushroom Farm’ was born.
Mastering the Science of Mushroom Cultivation
Unlike traditional farming, mushroom cultivation requires precision. Sonia’s farm specializes in growing button mushrooms in a high-tech, controlled environment, ensuring year-round production. With each crop cycle spanning two months, the process demands meticulous attention to factors like humidity, temperature, and oxygen levels.
Her commitment to quality led to expansion, and by 2022, she added two more growing rooms, increasing her production to an impressive 10 tonnes of mushrooms per month. Today, her farm supplies local caterers and vendors at Delhi’s Azadpur Mandi, generating a monthly revenue of Rs 9 lakh with a net income of Rs 1 lakh.
But the numbers tell only part of the story.
Overcoming Challenges: The Road to Success
Mushroom farming proved to be far from easy. Sonia encountered numerous obstacles, from failed compost batches to unexpected power cuts that threatened delicate mushroom crops. “Growing mushrooms is like caring for a newborn,” she says, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance.
One of the major turning points came when she decided to establish her own compost unit. “Compost is crucial for mushroom farming. Earlier, we received subpar compost, leading to losses of up to Rs 2 lakh. Now, we use locally available paddy straw, chicken manure, and wheat bran to create our own nutrient-rich compost,” she explains.
Regulating oxygen and carbon dioxide levels is equally crucial. “For the first 40 days of the vegetative phase, we keep the windows closed. Once mushrooms begin to sprout, we gradually introduce oxygen by opening the windows for ventilation,” she adds. Temperature control is another key factor. “A sudden power cut can spike temperatures to 30 degrees Celsius, causing irreversible damage. We must maintain a steady 23 to 25 degrees for optimal growth.”
While Sonia’s scientific background played a pivotal role in her farm’s success, it was her heart for social empowerment that made her journey truly impactful.
Empowering Rural Women: A Mission Beyond Farming
Known as the ‘Mushroom Lady of Haryana,’ Sonia’s venture is about more than just cultivating mushrooms—it is about cultivating opportunities for rural women.
“As an assistant professor, I had a stable job, but the pandemic opened my eyes to the struggles of women in rural areas. Many lacked education and opportunities. That’s when I realized my calling was to empower them,” she shares.
Today, Sonia relies on a team of 15 rural women who manage daily farm operations. Their employment has not only provided financial stability but has also transformed their lives. Workers like Savita and Pinki Devi, once struggling as daily wage laborers, now enjoy consistent incomes, safer working conditions, and a newfound sense of dignity.
Savita, a 40-year-old worker, recalls her past hardships. “I used to earn Rs 250 a day, working under the scorching sun, sometimes without any work for days. Now, I make Rs 11,500 per month, and my family can finally afford regular meals,” she says proudly.
For Pinki Devi, employment at the farm has been life-changing. “Earlier, I worked in the fields under extreme conditions. Here, I work in an air-conditioned environment, and I even choose to stay beyond my shift because I enjoy it so much,” she adds.
But the challenges of rural women extend beyond employment. Sonia recalls an incident where a worker’s husband demanded she be fired so she could be at home more. “It highlights the struggles these women endure daily. My goal is to support them in becoming independent,” she says firmly.
More Than a Business, A Community
Beyond providing jobs, Sonia’s farm has become a space of camaraderie and empowerment. “Sometimes, we dance, share chai pakoras, or even host DJ nights,” she says with a smile. For many widows and divorcees, the farm offers not just financial security but also a sense of belonging.
As Sonia continues to expand her business, her mission remains clear—mushroom farming is not just about growing a high-value crop but about growing opportunities for those who need them most.
With scientific precision, unyielding determination, and a heart full of purpose, Sonia Dahiya is not just cultivating mushrooms; she is cultivating hope, independence, and a brighter future for the women of Haryana.
