Himachal Student Grows Rare Himalayan Cordyceps on Brown Rice, Paves Way for Youth Entrepreneurship
Shimla: Satvik Chauhan, a student from Bhawana (Pudag) village in Kotkhai tehsil near Shimla, has successfully cultivated the rare and valuable Himalayan fungus Cordyceps on brown rice grains. Traditionally found growing on caterpillars in high-altitude Himalayan regions, Cordyceps is known for its powerful medicinal properties.
Satvik, currently pursuing an MBA in Agri Business Management after completing his BSc in Forestry from Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, began working on the project in December last year. He was allotted a space in the university’s Mushroom Research Centre and provided with equipment and chemicals needed for the experiment.
Within just three months, Satvik managed to grow half a kilogram of Cordyceps, which can fetch a market price of up to ₹80,000 per kilogram. Instead of using insects as a host, he used nutrient-rich brown rice, enriched with yeast extract and sugar, to simulate the natural growth conditions of the fungus.
Cordyceps is known to be rich in antioxidants, helps suppress the growth of cancer cells, improves oxygen levels in the body, reduces inflammation, and supports kidney, heart, and respiratory health. For strict vegetarians who may avoid insect-hosted fungi, lab-grown Cordyceps offers a sustainable and ethical alternative.
Satvik receives ₹25,000 per month under the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister's Startup Scheme and plans to commercialize the project, offering inspiration and a potential livelihood model for many aspiring entrepreneurs.
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