Bringing a burst of flavor to the culinary scene, shiitake mushrooms have garnered the favor of both health enthusiasts and chefs globally. Renowned not only for their richness in Vitamin B5 and dietary copper but also for their delectable umami essence, these mushrooms have found their way into a plethora of dishes, from soups and risottos to broths and seasonings, elevating gastronomic experiences to new heights.
In 2019, Lhüvevolü A Rhakho, a resident of Nagaland’s Phek district, embarked on a journey to introduce healthier eating habits to her family. Little did she know that her exploration would lead to a remarkable venture that has captured the attention of mushroom enthusiasts across India. At that time, Lhüvevolü, a 37-year-old with a background in mass communications, was engrossed in her retail business, with no inkling of the entrepreneurial path that lay ahead.
Presently, at the helm of her enterprise ‘Native Organics,’ Lhüvevolü attests that her achievements stand as a testament to her unwavering commitment to learning and innovation. Her days commence with the first light of dawn, overseeing the mushroom cultivation unit in Phek, engaging with local farmers, all while nurturing the belief that continuous learning is the key to scaling her venture.
Yet, her journey’s focus wasn’t always so precise. As she recollects, “Back in 2019, I was simply dabbling in mushrooms as a pastime.” Gradually, her perspective shifted as she realized the economic viability of her experiments. However, a pivotal encounter with the esteemed Dr. Sosang Longkumer of Konger Agritech was the spark that ignited her exploration into the realm of mushroom farming.
Dr. Longkumer, a luminary in the field, introduced shiitake mushrooms, traditionally cultivated in East Asia, to Nagaland in 2018. This introduction laid the foundation for a burgeoning community of ‘mushroom-preneurs’ in the northeastern state.
From his laboratory in Dimapur, Dr. Longkumer devoted hours to research and experimentation, all driven by a resolute determination to meet challenges head-on. In his own words, “My fascination with mushrooms began when Dr. Rajesh, a senior scientist and former colleague at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) unit in Nagaland, challenged me to cultivate mushroom cultures and spawn within the laboratory. This was around 2010, during my tenure as a research associate.”
Leveraging his expertise in microbiology and applied genetics, Dr. Longkumer achieved remarkable breakthroughs. Reflecting on his journey, he recounted, “Dr. Rajesh was impressed with the quality of the mushroom spawns and encouraged the establishment of a spawn production laboratory to enable year-round mushroom cultivation for farmers. Mushroom farming proves to be a profitable venture with low initial investment and swift returns.”
In Nagaland, Dr. Longkumer is revered as a trailblazer. His venture, Konger Agritech, has spent years training over 500 farmers in Nagaland in the art of cultivating shiitake and oyster mushrooms, yielding an impressive output of “approximately 20,00,000 Shiitake dowel spawns and 25,000 kg of Oyster mushroom spawns.”
With Lhüvevolü A Rhakho’s diligent efforts and Dr. Longkumer’s pioneering work, Nagaland’s landscape is transforming, fostering a culture of sustainable and health-conscious mushroom cultivation that resonates far beyond its borders. The story of these individuals underscores the power of curiosity and dedication in shaping thriving agricultural enterprises and redefining gastronomic experiences.