Bishnu Chhetri’s Mushroom Journey

Bishnu Chhetri, a determined entrepreneur from Chongaykha under Phuentsholing Gewog, Chukha, has embarked on a transformative journey in mushroom cultivation with his venture, ‘Bishnu Shroom Heaven.’ His story is a testament to perseverance, community support, and the power of turning challenges into opportunities.

Raised by his mother along with his sister, Mecha Kumari Chhettri, and Renuka Chhettri, after his father passed away during his early schooling years, Bishnu’s upbringing instilled in him resilience and a strong sense of responsibility towards his family.

“After completing my higher studies in 2021 at Paro Rigzom Academy, and facing uncertainty in job opportunities, I found hope in mushroom cultivation,” shared Bishnu, reflecting on the beginnings of his entrepreneurial journey. He recognized the potential of mushroom cultivation not only as a sustainable practice for recycling organic waste but also as a viable livelihood opportunity.

In January 2024, Bishnu officially launched ‘Bishnu Shroom Heaven,’ focusing on cultivating oyster mushrooms. Located in Chongaykha, his firm quickly gained momentum with the unwavering support of
organizations like RENEW, the Gewog administration, and Jangchubshing Organic Farm.

In April, Bishnu celebrated a significant milestone with the successful harvest of his first batch, totaling 760 kg of mushrooms. This achievement underscored the transformative impact of mushroom cultivation, not just in terms of agricultural innovation but also in creating sustainable livelihoods and empowering local communities. Bishnu’s journey was bolstered by his proactive approach to learning and development. Before venturing into mushroom cultivation, he completed a rigorous three-day training program on oyster mushroom cultivation, earning a certificate that equipped him with essential skills in growing conditions, disease management, and harvest techniques.

Reflecting on his training experience, Bishnu emphasized, “Training in mushroom cultivation not
only enhances technical aspects but also cultivates entrepreneurial acumen.” This blend of theoretical
knowledge and hands-on experience have been instrumental in shaping his success.

“One of the most attractive aspects of launching a mushroom business is the broad spectrum of market
opportunities. Mushrooms are consistently in demand, and sometimes it can be challenging to meet consumer needs. Currently, I distribute my mushrooms to Gedu, Thimphu, and FMG,” he remarked. Additionally, he noted that despite the high demand, few individuals are involved in this business; most cultivators focus on personal consumption rather than commercial production.

At the outset of launching his mushroom business, Bishnu faced formidable financial challenges. His
initial investment wasn’t enough to cover expenses, and securing adequate funding and attracting investors emerged as significant barriers at the beginning of his journey. With his resilience and unwavering belief in his product, he explored alternative funding avenues and refined his pitch.

“After five years of my plan, I see myself advancing in my career with a firm where I can develop relevant
skills over time and explore new opportunities in the community. In doing so, I hope to contribute or plan to change mushrooms to a mushroom pickle which can create a job opportunity for the people of the community, where all the community will be glad or benefited and explore the mushroom pickles in different Dzongkhag. For this, I hope more support from the govt. and other organizations in the future to make plans for success,” Bishnu shared.

According to Bishnu, being an entrepreneur often means embodying traits such as creativity, risk-taking,
resilience, and the determination to pursue one’s vision and goals independently through establishing and managing businesses or ventures. In essence, it involves a person who aims to contribute to their community by addressing specific challenges and providing solutions.

“I recommend that growing mushrooms isn’t just about growing fungi, it’s about creating livelihoods and
empowering communities. Take action, Planning is necessary, but making those plans a reality is at the heart of entrepreneurship,” Bishnu shared in his final note to aspiring entrepreneurs.