“Medicinal mushrooms: Superfoods for health & women’s empowerment”

India Business and Trade interacted with Dr. Hiresha Verma, Founder of Han Agrocare, to explore her inspiring journey from IT to agriculture, her mission to empower rural women through mushroom farming, and how she is leveraging technology to scale her business. With the global mushroom market projected to grow steadily due to rising demand for functional foods, medicinal mushrooms like Shiitake and Reishi are gaining popularity for their health benefits. Known as the “Mushroom Queen of the Himalayas,” Dr. Verma shares insights on sustainability in farming, the growing market for mushroom-based wellness products, and the future of agritech in India.

IBT: What inspired you to start Han Agro-care and how do you empower women in rural areas with mushroom farming?

Dr. Hiresha Verma: I was in IT before coming to mushroom farming. It all started in 2013 when flood hit Uttarakhand hills, I had an opportunity to visit there to distribute food, package and clothes to the villagers there. When I went there, I found that only women and children were left, that unsettled me and I couldn’t sleep after coming back home, I wanted to do something for them. It was not possible there, so I decided to do something which is very conducive to the climate of Uttarakhand. Somebody told me about mushroom farming and how it is very conducive to the climate of Uttarakhand and this is how the idea of mushroom farming came into my mind. I started with a small servant quarter for myself, and I invested 2000 rupees into mushroom farming and earned 5000 rupees. I thought to myself that this is a very good business and we can make it in a business model. That’s how the journey of mushroom farming started in Han Agrocare, from button mushroom, oyster mushroom to medicinal mushroom. Presently, we grow Shiitake, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Chaga, and Turkey’s Tail, a total of 6 types of mushrooms right now.

IBT:  What health benefits do medicinal mushrooms, like Shiitake, offer and how are they integrated into the wellness products?

Dr. Hrisha Verma: These are called medicinal mushroom because these are super foods, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. They have all the bio compounds which have all these qualities, plus rich source of protein and Vitamin D, Vitamin D2 you will find only in sun after sun, only these mushrooms as vitamin D2 that is why we call them medicinal mushrooms.

IBT: What are the challenges that women in rural areas face in mushroom farming, and how do you support them in overcoming these obstacles while ensuring quality?

Dr. Hrisha Verma: Women in rural areas often face challenges such as lack of technical knowledge, financial constraints, and market access in mushroom farming. To support them, we provide comprehensive training, technical assistance, and financial aid, including subsidies. Additionally, we ensure a secure income by buying back their produce. With just an hour of care in the morning and evening, they can successfully cultivate mushrooms while receiving continuous guidance and support at every step.

IBT: What trends in the food and wellness industries are driving demand for your mushrooms? And how is Han Agrocare positioning itself for future growth?

Dr. Hiresha Verma:Post-COVID, there has been a growing awareness of health and nutrition, driving demand for functional foods like medicinal mushrooms. People are increasingly recognizing their rich bio-compounds and health benefits. Globally, mushrooms are well-established in wellness markets, and in India, awareness is steadily growing. At Han Agrocare, we are actively educating consumers while expanding our market presence. With rising demand, repeat customers, and strong word-of-mouth referrals, we are well-positioned for sustained growth in the food and wellness industries.

IBT: Can you share more about your value at your products like the Shiitake, Ginger Ale and other snacks? How do they align with the customer demand for healthier options?

Dr. Hiresha Verma: We have actually divided our products into functional food as well as nutraceutical food. We have mushroom coffee, mushroom tea, mushroom Cookies, chocolate, protein bar, ginger ale, marmalades all full of these medicinal mushroom extracts. We have customized our products and formulated them in such a way that they are according to the Indian taste so that they will love it and they will start eating it and they will get the benefit of these mushrooms. In nutraceutical foods, we have capsules, tinctures, and extract powders.

IBT: How does your use of agricultural based compost contribute to sustainability in the mushroom farming and support farmers in the regions like Uttarakhand, UP and Himachal Pradesh,

Dr. Hiresha Verma:Mushroom farming is a zero-waste process. After harvesting, the leftover substrate is repurposed as protein-rich compost, which farmers use to enhance soil fertility and improve crop yields. This sustainable approach not only reduces waste but also supports local farmers in Uttarakhand, UP, and Himachal Pradesh. Additionally, mushrooms can be cultivated year-round, with certain varieties thriving in summer temperatures (25°C to 40°C) and others flourishing in winter, ensuring continuous farming opportunities.

IBT:  While scaling your business, what were some of the key challenges that you faced, and how have you leveraged technology to address them?

Dr. Hiresha Verma: Scaling our business came with challenges like maintaining quality, optimizing production, and expanding market reach. To address these, we have fully digitalized our operations, including accounts, production, marketing, and branding. We use IoT devices to monitor and control production quality, while AI and GIS technology help analyze satellite data to determine optimal mushroom-growing conditions. Additionally, we are incorporating nanotechnology and advanced drug delivery systems in our medicinal mushroom formulations. By leveraging technology, we aim to enhance efficiency, ensure quality, and increase awareness of the health benefits of mushrooms.

IBT:  What advice would you give to the aspiring warming entrepreneurs looking to enter the Agritech space?

Dr. Hiresha Verma:My advice is simple—nothing is impossible for a determined heart. Don’t assume agriculture lacks opportunities or is too difficult to enter. Passion is the key; it drives discipline, perseverance, and success. Coming from an IT background, I transitioned into agriculture and built a thriving business. If I can do it, anyone can. Believe in your vision, embrace challenges, and take the leap into agritech.

IBT: Where did the title Mushroom Queen of the Himalayas come from?

Dr. Hiresha Verma: I was given this title because I have been working in J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand. I have been working on my Projects at 9000 feet from the sea level in the Himalaya regions. We are only focusing on rural India because I believe if rural indian women are empowered, India will be empowered.