New Delhi, April 24: In a vibrant celebration of innovation and sustainability, Shhroomi Farms Pvt. Ltd. was officially launched at the Water Technology Centre, ICAR-IARI, Pusa Campus. The event was graced by Shri K. Moses Chalai, IAS, Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, as the Chief Guest.
Co-founded by Dr. Gloria Nyenthang, Shhroomi Farms is the result of over five years of research and grassroots innovation rooted in the cultural and ecological wisdom of Northeast India. In her keynote speech, Dr. Gloria shared:
“What started as a casual conversation among friends who loved mushrooms has grown into a movement rooted in sustainability, innovation, and community.”
She emphasized the company’s mission to make mushroom farming accessible, replicable, and profitable especially for farmers, women, and youth across NE India.
A Purpose-Grown Venture
At the core of Shhroomi’s ethos lie three values—Sustainability, Innovation, and Community. The startup currently offers:
1. Mushroom spawn distribution in Delhi, Nagaland and Manipur
2. Organic, chemical-free fresh and dried mushrooms delivered across the Delhi-NCR region.
3. Training, handholding, and mentorship for farmers and agripreneurs.
On-Ground Impact: Shhroomi Farms has already trained about 100 farmers in Manipur, and aims to continue training more farmers in the days to come. Through a clustered approach, the startup is working to empower more farmers to take up mushroom cultivation helping them bridge the market gap and gain access to market linkages that improve livelihoods.
“Our systems are not designed for experts, but for the everyday grower,” said Dr. Gloria. “True innovation must be inclusive.”
Words from the Chief Guest
Chief Guest Shri Moses Chalai praised the initiative, calling it timely and visionary. He emphasized the need for technology-driven agriculture and encouraged the team to harness the power and reach of smartphones and digital platforms to tap into premium markets. He also highlighted that Shhroomi Farms’ decision to set up their business in a challenging environment like Delhi, where the odds and ease of starting may not be in their favor compared to if they started back home, serves as both a challenge and an inspiration to the youth of Northeast India, encouraging them to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
A Tour of Tech Meets Tradition
Guests were taken on a guided tour of the facility, showcasing IoT-enabled environmental controls and lab-based cultivation methods. The event concluded with a mushroom tasting session, featuring pickled and barbecued varieties.
Fuelled by Innovation and Ecosystem Support
Shhroomi Farms is proud to be:
1. A recipient of the Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) under BIRAC, supported through KIIT-TBI, Bhubaneswar, and
2. A grantee of the Social Innovation Lab (SIL) under IIT Kanpur’s SIIC.
The startup is also incubated at Pusa Krishi (ICAR-IARI), where the journey was given structure and strategic support.
Acknowledging the Academic and Cultural Support:
The event also saw the presence of Dr. Akriti Sharma, CEO & Incharge of PUSA Krishi, ZTM, BPD ICAR, IARI, who praised the founders of Shhroomi Farms for their resilience and hardworking spirit, encouraging others to follow in their footsteps. The presence of Professor Sahiinii from IIT Delhi and Reverend Dr. N Ricky Medom, a revered figure at NCF Delhi, along with officials from ZTM, further contributed to the event’s success and significance.
Looking Ahead
Shhroomi aims to continue empowering thousands of farmers, particularly women and youth, while bringing indigenous mushrooms and their stories into mainstream nutrition, medicine, and cuisine.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all mentors, institutions, and communities who made the Shhroomi dream possible.
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