Dr. Hiresha Verma is a pioneering agritech entrepreneur and social innovator dedicated to transforming rural livelihoods
through science-driven, women-led enterprise. As the visionary behind Han Agrocare and Hi Shroomz, she has moved
beyond traditional farming to establish India as a hub for high-value medicinal mushrooms.
The Journey: From IT to Impact
Driven by the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, Dr. Verma pivoted from a successful IT career to address the urgent need for
resilient rural livelihoods. Starting with just ₹2,000, she turned a small domestic space into a laboratory of hope. Today,
that spark has grown into a movement that empowers over 5,000 women and landless farmers across six Indian states.
“Nothing is impossible for a willing heart. My mission is to ensure every rural household sees mushrooms not just as food, but as a vehicle for dignity and economic freedom.”
— DR. HIRESHA VERMA
Under her leadership, Han Agrocare has pioneered the cultivation of rare medicinal species—including Shiitake,
Cordyceps, and Reishi—replacing costly imports with indigenous, high-quality production.
A zero-waste model where agricultural by-products become nutritious superfoods.
A unique "train-and-buy-back" system that guarantees economic security for rural growers.
Holding 7 patents and 3 trademarks in mushroom-based product innovation and Cultivation.
Dr. Verma’s goal for the next decade is to scale this model to 100,000 families, ensuring India
leads the global market in functional foods and medicinal mycology.
Under her leadership, Han Agrocare has pioneered the cultivation of rare medicinal species—including Shiitake,
Cordyceps, and Reishi—replacing costly imports with indigenous, high-quality production.
Selected among the Top 75 Innovators and 100 Women Transforming
India.
Recipient of the Nari Shakti Puraskar and the ICAR Best Progressive Farmer Award.
Represented the Government of India at international summits in Singapore and Bangkok.
“Himalayan Queen of Mushrooms”
(2025)
Medicinal Mushroom Lady of India (2025)
Pride of Uttarakhand; CII; Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME)
