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Mushroom Lady Transforms Bihar Village Economy
4 Nov
Summary
- Anita Devi pioneered mushroom farming in Bihar, transforming local perceptions.
- She established a farmers' company, empowering over 250 women in Nalanda.
- Her success brought national recognition, including access to PM's social media.
Anita Devi, widely recognized as the 'Mushroom Lady of Bihar,' initiated mushroom cultivation in Nalanda district in 2010, overcoming initial skepticism and ridicule from villagers. Her perseverance led to Anantpur being declared a 'Mushroom Village' by the Bihar agriculture department in 2012. Devi's efforts extended beyond her personal income; she established the Madhopur Farmers Producers Company Limited in 2016.
This company, by December 2017, associated nearly 250 women, many from self-help groups, with the expanding mushroom cultivation business. As of a 2025 report, the company had grown to support 512 farmers, with plans to reach 1,500. It provides essential agricultural inputs and connects farmers to online platforms and businesses, significantly improving market access. Devi's impactful work was highlighted on International Women's Day 2025, when she shared her story through Prime Minister Narendra Modi's social media accounts, inspiring countless others with her vision for women's self-reliance and economic empowerment.
