Truffle is a type of rare and expensive underground mushroom that grows near the roots of special trees (such as oak or hazel). Its smell and taste are very special, so it is widely used in high-end hotels and five-star restaurants.
Truffle Price
Black Truffle: ₹1 lakh – ₹4 lakh per kg
White Truffle: ₹5 lakh – ₹15 lakh per kg
How to cultivate truffle?
1. Climate and Soil
Truffles require cool and moist climate (such as Himachal, Uttarakhand, high altitude areas of Kashmir).
Sandy-loam soil is considered best, with good drainage.
pH should be 7.5 – 8.3.
2. Truffles are not plants/seeds
Truffles are not directly sown. They grow in the roots of truffle-infected plants (such as oak/hazel).
Special plants have to be prepared and truffle spores have to be put in them and then planted.
3. Time and effort
Truffles start bearing fruits in 3-7 years, but once planted, they bear fruits for 20+ years.
A trained dog or pig is required for cultivation which sniffs out the truffles in the ground and tells.
Demand and market of truffles
There is huge demand in Europe, America, Japan.
This is a new farming in India, so there is a great opportunity for export.
Earnings estimate
8–10 kg of truffles can be obtained from one acre.
If the rate is considered to be ₹2 lakh/kg, then the earnings can be up to ₹15–₹20 lakh per acre.
Challenges
The initial cost is high (₹5–₹10 lakh/acre).
Proper training and expert guidance is necessary.
Beware of fraudulent companies — buy plants only from certified nurseries.
1. Truffle Farming Business Plan
A. Initial Expenses (Estimated for 1 Acre)
Item Estimated Cost
Truffle-infected plants (300-400 trees) ₹3,00,000 – ₹4,00,000
Field preparation, fencing ₹50,000
Drip irrigation system ₹60,000
Farm maintenance (3-5 years) ₹1,00,000
Total Initial Investment ₹5 – ₹7 lakh
B. Earnings (after 3 to 7 years)
Description Estimates
Truffle production per tree (average) 25–50 grams
Total trees (400) 10-20 kg truffles
Selling price (average) ₹2–5 lakh/kg
Total potential earnings ₹20 – Up to ₹1 crore
> Note: Production depends on weather, soil, and management.
2. Truffle Farming Training and Resources in India
A. Institutes offering truffle training
1. ICAR-Directorate of Mushroom Research, Solan (HP)
https://dmrsolan.icar.gov.in
– Leading institute in mushroom research. You can get information about truffles by contacting them.
2. Agritech Startups like:
AgriBegri
Krishi Jagran Training Events
Sometimes there are online webinars or workshops as well.
3. Where to buy truffle plants (Inoculated Saplings)
Contact startups in India or foreign suppliers:
1. Mycorrhizal Systems Pvt Ltd (India + France Collaboration)
Provides truffle-inoculated oak or hazel plants.
Contact via LinkedIn or website.
2. Truffle Tree (UK Based)
Enquire on India shipping.
3. Local Organic Farms in Himachal/Uttarakhand
Some farmers have started truffle on trial, who can be contacted directly.
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4. Marketing and Sales
Export Market: There is huge demand in France, Italy, UAE, USA, Japan.
Buyers: Gourmet restaurants, luxury food companies, cosmetic brands.
You can get export information from APEDA (Indian Agricultural Export Development Authority).