From Government Service to Mushroom Business Woman

14th July 2025

By Deogracious Isaac O.

From government service to mushroom farming—a mother turned entrepreneur balancing family and business.

In 2017, after dedicating years to government service, Anjula Bethme Arachchi made a life-altering decision: to embrace the role of a stay-at-home mother for her three children. While her heart was with her family, her mind was also set on contributing financially. She sought an income-generating venture that would allow her to remain at home and nurture her children. The answer came in an unexpected form: mushrooms.

The idea for mushroom cultivation wasn’t entirely new. Her husband, who works in the bustling hotel sector at Thapanni Hotel in Unawatuna, had often spoken about the significant demand for mushrooms. The opportunity solidified when she heard about a mushroom training program through the women’s society in her community, specifically from an INDECOS field officer. This crucial training, funded by the European Union, equipped her with the knowledge and skills she needed to embark on her entrepreneurial journey.

“I chose mushrooms because it’s a natural food, and it allowed me to work from home and look after my children,” she explains.

This decision proved to be a lucrative one. She now proudly generates 50,000 rupees per month, with her primary customers being her community and neighbours. Understanding the importance of formalizing her efforts, she also registered her business, allowing her to enjoy the benefits and legitimacy that come with official recognition.

However, her path to success wasn’t without its challenges. She faced stiff competition from both large-scale and numerous small-scale players in the market. A major hurdle was sourcing the specific type of wood dust required for mushroom cultivation—mango, rubber, and Albizia—which is rare and expensive. She currently relies on carpentry shops in her community but incurs significant costs. Additionally, other essential inputs like rice dust, water, calcium carbonate, and firewood also add to her expenses.

Despite these obstacles, her determination has only grown. She’s been an active participant in the Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (WEP) since 2009, utilizing its credit facilities to support her life and, more recently, her burgeoning business. The WEP program has also positively impacted her family, with her daughter receiving a scholarship to attend university.

“I want to tell women not to just think of themselves as housewives,” she shares, advocating for financial independence. “You can earn money at home while looking after your family. Community connections are so important; they can help us build each other up.”

She firmly believes that the mushroom business offers a viable path for women to achieve this. Currently, she has taken out a loan to expand her operations, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to growth.

Hands-on learning: Women receive practical training in mushroom cultivation through the supported WEP program.

Her husband remains her steadfast supporter, even actively assisting her in making the mushroom pods. He encourages other husbands to follow suit, emphasizing the benefits of supporting wives in home-based businesses, allowing them to contribute financially while simultaneously nurturing their families. Their story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community support, and the humble mushroom.

Husband Supporting the Business

Teamwork at home: her husband helps prepare mushroom pods, showing the power of family support in entrepreneurship.

Sales to Community / Market Scene

Supplying fresh mushrooms to neighbours and the community—turning local demand into sustainable income.

The business certificate of registration.

Mushroom Cultivation Setup