In the remote village of Kalapang, nestled in the lush hills of Tsakaling gewog in Mongar Dzongkhag, a young farmer named Sonam Gyeltshen has made a name for himself in the world of mushroom farming – “Samsara Mushroom Farming”

Founder of Samsara Mushroom Kalapang with his passion to grow mushrooms and other farming activities has begun mutually benefiting service with schools. Sonam, who is in his late 20s, grew up in a family of subsistence farmers who depended on their small plots of land to make a living.

Despite the challenges that come with living in a remote area with limited resources, Sonam was determined to make a better life for himself and his family. He started his mushroom farming in 2018 – 2019.

After completing his high school education, Sonam realized that the traditional methods of farming were no longer sustainable. He began to explore new ways of earning a livelihood and stumbled upon mushroom farming.

At first, Sonam faced numerous obstacles in setting up his mushroom farm. He lacked knowledge about the cultivation process, had limited access to resources, and faced financial constraints. However, he refused to give up on his dream and persisted through the challenges.

With the help of his family and some guidance from the local agricultural extension office, Sonam managed to set up a small mushroom farm on his family’s land. He started with oyster mushrooms, which are relatively easy to cultivate and have a high market demand.

Over time, Sonam honed his skills and experimented with different types of mushrooms. He invested in a small greenhouse to protect his crops from harsh weather conditions and also started selling his mushrooms directly to consumers in nearby towns.

Today, Sonam’s mushroom farm has become a thriving business, providing a stable source of income for his family and employing several locals from his community. He has also become a role model for other aspiring farmers in the region, who look up to him for inspiration and guidance.

Despite the success he has achieved, Sonam remains humble and grateful for the opportunities that mushroom farming has brought him. He hopes to continue expanding his business and sharing his knowledge with others so that more people can benefit from this sustainable and profitable farming method.

As MyBiz spoke with Sonam during my visit to his farm, “I was struck by his passion and dedication to his work.” He is a true example of how determination, hard work, and innovation can lead to success even in the most challenging circumstances.

Sonam Gyeltshen’s advice to our future young entrepreneurs is to take up every opportunity that is ahead of you and never neglect it. Every opportunity comes in the form of skill, knowledge, and ideas so you should turn such skills into a business.

By Content Writer Sonam Zangmo