Mushroom farming: From cultural taboo to a thriving enterprise

From struggling to sell a few kilograms daily in 2011, Gangadhar Sharma’s business now turns over 500 kilograms of mushrooms a day.

The Brahmins were historically forbidden to eat mushrooms. A popular proverb reflects this cultural sentiment: “Bahun le chyau khaos na swad paos,” meaning, “The Brahmins would know the taste of mushrooms, if they ate them.”