Meet Bihar's 'Mushroom Lady' Bina Devi, Who Is Now Empowering 70,000 Rural Women

Meet Bihar's 'Mushroom Lady' Bina Devi, Who Is Now Empowering 70,000 Rural Women

Bina Devi has earned nationwide recognition as "The Mushroom Lady"

In the remote areas of Bihar's Munger district, a determined woman once faced the hardship of feeding her four children amid poverty. With no land, stable income, or certainty about their next meal, Bina Devi discovered an innovative solution - cultivating mushrooms beneath her own bed.

What initially began as a modest cultivation effort in a small space has evolved into a powerful movement for rural empowerment. Today, Bina Devi is renowned throughout India as "The Mushroom Lady," a title she earned by transforming the lives of thousands of women across more than 100 villages.

Residing in Tilkari village in Tetiha Bambor, Bina Devi possessed limited resources but extraordinary determination. Supporting four children on her husband's modest earnings as a rural doctor meant that sometimes even cooking a daily meal was difficult.

Without land for traditional farming or capital for investment, Bina was resolute about breaking free from poverty's cycle. She chose an unconventional path - mushroom cultivation - which required neither extensive fields nor expensive infrastructure.

Her journey began by ordering just one kilogram of mushroom seeds, cultivating them in the confined space under her bed.

Mushroom farming proved more complex than anticipated, requiring careful regulation of humidity, temperature, and hygiene - factors challenging to control without proper training or facilities.

Despite initial low yields, Bina persisted. She sought expertise from Bihar Agricultural University in Sabour, Bhagalpur, where she acquired the technical knowledge that would ultimately transform her circumstances.

Her persistence paid off as production gradually increased.

As market demand for mushrooms grew, with prices ranging between Rs 200 and Rs 300 per kilogram, Bina Devi began generating profits, eventually reaching annual earnings of several lakhs.

This financial success transformed her household completely. Her children, previously at risk of educational neglect, are now thriving. Her eldest son studies engineering, while her other children receive quality education as well.

As her achievements expanded, so did her aspirations - not just for herself but for women in similar circumstances.

Bina Devi wanted her success to benefit others. She began educating other women about mushroom cultivation techniques.

Currently, women from more than 100 villages engage in mushroom cultivation thanks to her initiatives. Bina Devi personally trained them, providing support and encouragement to help them achieve self-reliance.

"When women become financially independent, their self-respect increases," says Bina Devi. "They gain confidence, and their position in both family and society improves."

Bina Devi's impactful work has received significant recognition. In 2014, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar honored her. She received the Women Farmer Award in 2018, followed by the Kisan Abhinav Puraskar in 2019.

On International Women's Day 2020, then-President Ram Nath Kovind presented her with an award. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised her story during his Mann Ki Baat radio program.

"Meeting PM Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind was overwhelming," Bina Devi recalls with a smile. "I even brought mushrooms, nimki, pickles, and biscuits for them."

She further reflected, "People called me crazy when I started. They mocked my work. But I never stopped. I continued doing what I believed in - and never looked back."

At the time, Smriti Irani shared Bina Devi's story on X, writing, "Known as 'Mushroom Mahila', Bina Devi not only reinvented agricultural practices in her village but also inspired women from other villages to adopt mushroom cultivation. An advocate of digital literacy, she has also been Sarpanch of Dhauri Panchayat in Bihar."

Bina Devi's mission extends beyond mushroom cultivation. She has become an advocate for organic farming, encouraging farmers to move away from chemical-dependent agriculture.

She teaches chemical-free farming techniques, emphasizing both health benefits and environmental responsibility.

Despite her national recognition and extensive grassroots impact, Bina Devi reports receiving no direct support from government programs.

"I haven't received any government assistance," she states. "I appeal to the Prime Minister and the Bihar government to ensure women like us can benefit from employment schemes."

She added, "I have raised awareness among 60,000 to 70,000 women. These women are now earning, educating their children, and living with dignity. They no longer need to ask their husbands for money."

Bina Devi's journey represents more than personal success. It demonstrates the power of determination, innovation, and community leadership. From a humble home in Munger to national recognition, her story illustrates what becomes possible when a woman refuses to surrender to circumstances.

(With inputs from Rohit Kumar)