Success Editor Team
In the heart of Haryana, assistant professor Sonia Dahiya is redefining agricultural entrepreneurship with her booming mushroom cultivation venture. What began as a humble passion project has now evolved into a high-yielding business, earning her and her family Rs 9 lakh per month in revenue. Located in Sonipat, the thriving enterprise—Doctor Dahiya Farm—is a shining example of how patience, hard work, and innovation can transform lives.
A native of Haryana and an academic by profession, Sonia Dahiya entered the world of farming with no formal background in agriculture. What she did have, however, was an unshakable determination to make her mark and a desire to contribute to the organic food movement. Along with her husband, she began exploring the world of mushroom cultivation, intrigued by its health benefits, rising demand, and high return on investment.
After extensive research, training, and multiple rounds of trial and error, Sonia set up Doctor Dahiya Farm in Sonipat. Today, the farm produces between 9 to 10 tonnes of mushrooms every month, catering to both local and regional markets. From small-scale buyers to institutional clients, the farm’s products have gained a reputation for quality and freshness.
The success of the farm lies in Sonia’s methodical approach. She ensures that each stage—from cultivation and harvesting to packaging and distribution—is executed with precision. Using eco-friendly practices, temperature-controlled environments, and proper hygiene, the farm maintains high standards throughout the production cycle.
In an interview, Sonia shared her belief that the key ingredients in her success story are “patience and hard work.” The journey was not without hurdles, especially in the initial phases where capital investment, technical knowledge, and market access posed significant challenges. However, perseverance paid off, and with time, the business began to flourish.
Beyond financial gains, Sonia finds joy in mentoring other aspiring mushroom farmers, particularly women entrepreneurs and rural youth. She believes that mushroom farming offers a viable source of income for small landholders and unemployed individuals looking to start a business with relatively low investment.
The market for edible mushrooms in India is growing rapidly, with increasing awareness about their nutritional value and culinary versatility. This rising demand has created fertile ground for entrepreneurs like Sonia, who are ready to innovate and deliver.
Looking ahead, Doctor Dahiya Farm plans to diversify its offerings by adding value-added mushroom products such as dried mushrooms, mushroom pickles, and ready-to-cook mushroom mixes. Sonia is also exploring export opportunities and aims to scale operations by introducing modern equipment and automation to increase output.
Sonia Dahiya’s story is a powerful reminder that success in farming is not just about land—it’s about vision, persistence, and purpose. Through Doctor Dahiya Farm, she has not only built a successful business but also inspired a new generation of agripreneurs to dream big and grow sustainably.
