Andhra Pradesh To Launch Mushroom Mission, Aims to Become India’s Largest Producer

In a major push to diversify agriculture and boost farmer incomes, the Andhra Pradesh government is set to launch a first-of-its-kind “Mushroom Mission” with an estimated investment of Rs 13,000 crore, backed by support from the Centre. The ambitious initiative aims to position the state as India’s largest producer of mushrooms over the coming years.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to prepare a detailed action plan for the mission, which is expected to be formally announced soon, according to official sources. The project draws inspiration from the state’s successful aquaculture model and seeks to create a robust agri-value chain focused on high-value, quick-yielding crops.

The proposed mission will focus on scaling up mushroom cultivation through cluster-based production, infrastructure development, and technology adoption. Officials said the programme will promote high-value mushroom varieties such as button, oyster, and milky mushrooms, which have strong domestic and export demand.

Ambitious Targets and Scale

The mission targets the establishment of approximately 1.62 lakh mushroom production units across the state, primarily small and medium-scale operations spanning about 5,000 sq ft each. These units are expected to achieve an annual production of 67,500 tonnes, surpassing Bihar’s current output of around 45,000 tonnes, which makes it the leading producer today.

The Centre is expected to extend financial and technical assistance to the project, aligning it with broader goals of enhancing farmers’ income, promoting agri-entrepreneurship, and encouraging sustainable farming practices. The mission is also likely to generate large-scale employment opportunities, particularly for rural youth and women.

Experts believe Andhra Pradesh has significant potential for mushroom cultivation due to its favourable climatic conditions and growing agri-infrastructure. The mission is expected to reduce dependence on traditional crops, optimise land use, and create a steady source of additional income for farmers.

This mission aligns with the state government’s broader strategy to shift towards high-value crops, value addition, and technology-driven agriculture. It forms part of CM Naidu’s vision to expand horticulture significantly and enhance farmer incomes through diversified, market-oriented farming.