In 2020, Sonia Dahiya, an assistant professor at a government college in Haryana, decided to leverage her biotechnology expertise and ventured into mushroom farming.

Faced with doubt from her family accustomed to stable government jobs, Sonia stood firm. “I wanted to show that passion and knowledge could break traditional boundaries.”

With an initial investment of Rs 40 lakh, Sonia established ‘Doctor Dahiya Mushroom Farm’ with high-tech equipment. But this journey was not easy.

In the early stages, Sonia encountered failed compost batches and unstable temperatures. “We would sometimes receive drenched compost and incur losses of up to Rs two lakh,” she adds.

Overcoming compost issues was a significant breakthrough. “I started using local resources like paddy straw and chicken manure to make our own compost. This was a turning point,” Sonia emphasises.

By 2022, the farm expanded to produce 10 tonnes of mushrooms monthly. Today, this growth brings her a monthly revenue of Rs nine lakh, as she supplies a growing list of customers, from local caterers to vendors at Delhi’s Azadpur Mandi.

Known fondly as the ‘Mushroom Lady of Haryana’, her venture transcended business, aiming to empower rural women.

Sonia reflects, “It isn’t just about business; it’s about offering hope and independence to those who need it most.”

“As an assistant professor, I had a stable job, but I believe if you have taken care of your needs, maybe it’s time to look at how you can impact society,” she says.

At the farm, it’s not just about work, but about building bonds with rural women. “We often unwind with chai pakoras and even DJ nights,” Sonia smiles.