Mushroom Cultivation in Bangladesh: A Silent Revolution in the Fields

Mushroom Cultivation in Bangladesh: A Silent Revolution in the Fields

Mushroom Cultivation In Bangladesh.

In the quiet corners of rural Bangladesh, a silent agricultural revolution is taking shape — one that doesn’t involve large fields, noisy tractors, or even sunlight. Instead, it grows in straw-filled sheds and dark rooms, nurtured by humidity and care. Mushroom cultivation, once a niche curiosity, is rapidly becoming a mainstream source of nutrition, employment, and income across the country.
From the Margins to the Mainstream
In just over a decade, mushroom production in Bangladesh has surged from 14,500 tonnes in 2010–11 to more than 41,000 tonnes in 2021–22. The value of this growing industry now stands at approximately Tk 800 crore (about USD 90 million), according to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE). This growth has not only been significant in scale but also in impact.
“Mushrooms have the potential to become one of Bangladesh’s top cottage industries,” said Dr. M. A. Rahim, a senior agricultural scientist and horticulturist. “They require very little land, grow quickly, and provide an excellent source of income—especially for rural women and unemployed youth.”

Mushroom Cultivation in Hilly Area.

Why Mushrooms?
Rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, mushrooms are often described as a "superfood." The protein content in oyster mushrooms can reach up to 22 percent—much higher than staple cereals like rice or wheat. This nutritional edge makes them particularly valuable in a country where malnutrition remains a public health concern.
Beyond food, mushrooms have medicinal uses. Certain varieties, such as Ganoderma lucidum (locally known as reishi), are recognized for their immune-boosting properties. However, most of the commercial production in Bangladesh currently centers around the more easily cultivated oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) and, to a lesser extent, button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus).
Cultivating Success: Real Stories
In the hill district of Khagrachhari, a young entrepreneur named Nipu Tripura began mushroom farming with a modest investment and quickly saw his fortune change. Last year alone, Nipu earned Tk 24 lakh in sales, with a net profit of nearly Tk 9 lakh.
“I used to depend on seasonal farming and had no stable income,” he said. “Now I not only support my family comfortably but also employ five others in my unit.” In another case, Mahmud Parvez from Dinajpur began growing mushrooms in his home using a single 1-kg spawn packet that cost him Tk 45. Within a month, he harvested mushrooms worth over Tk 4,000. Such success stories are becoming increasingly common across Bangladesh, fueled by better access to training and support from institutions like the Mushroom Development Institute in Savar and private NGOs.
Institutional Backing and Future Plans
The government is not blind to this potential. The DAE has launched a five-year plan (2023–2027) with a budget of Tk 96 crore to train up to 300 new mushroom growers in every Upazila. The goal is twofold: to improve national nutrition and to reduce rural unemployment.
“We are not just providing training,” said DAE Director Md. Habibur Rahman. “We are working on the full value chain—from production to storage and marketing. Cold storage units and spawn labs are being introduced at the Upazila level.” Additionally, universities such as Independent University Bangladesh (IUB) and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) are experimenting with high-yielding and hybrid strains that are more resistant to disease and more nutritious.
Challenges Still Loom
Despite the progress, several barriers remain. One of the biggest challenges is access to quality spawn (the seed for mushroom cultivation), which is often expensive or unavailable outside major cities. Moreover, the perishability of mushrooms poses a logistical challenge. Without proper cold storage, mushrooms must be sold within 24–48 hours of harvesting, limiting their reach and price. Export opportunities also remain largely untapped. Although Bangladeshi dried mushrooms have begun reaching markets in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Middle East, the volume remains small due to lack of certification, packaging standards, and global branding.
“There is an untapped global market for organic and medicinal mushrooms,” said Nafisa Hossain, co-founder of the Women Entrepreneurs in Bio-Farming Foundation. “But we need proper investment in R&D and marketing to scale up.”
Looking Ahead
As the demand for sustainable agriculture grows worldwide, mushrooms could become Bangladesh’s next big agri-export—if the right steps are taken. With their minimal environmental footprint, high nutritional value, and income-generating potential, mushrooms are more than just a garnish on a plate; they’re an opportunity waiting to be harvested. From dark sheds in Khulna to cold stores in Dhaka, the mushroom is proving to be not just a crop, but a catalyst—for economic growth, food security, and rural empowerment.

Sources:
Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE)
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)
Dhaka Tribune (March 2024)
The Daily Asian Age
Research articles on ResearchGate and PMC