Jharkhand's Concealed Woodland Jewel, the Rugda Mushroom, Offers Nutritional Benefits and potential for Increasing Farmers' Financial Gain
Jharkhand's Rare and Valuable Rugda Mushroom: A Seasonal Forest Treasure
In the heart of India, the state of Jharkhand is home to a unique and valuable wild mushroom known locally as Khukhadi and scientifically as Astraeus hygrometricus. Known as the "Barometer Earthstar," this mushroom, which emerges during the monsoon season, is a vital component of the forest ecosystem and a significant source of income for local tribal communities.
Wild Harvest and Limited Availability
The Rugda mushroom can be found in untouched sal and teak forests, primarily after a good rainstorm, and its availability is limited to about two months each year during the rains. Currently, there is no widespread or formal commercial cultivation of Rugda mushrooms reported in Jharkhand, and the mushroom is primarily harvested from the wild forests.
Economic Significance and Market Value
Rugda mushrooms fetch a high price, ranging from about ₹1000 to ₹1200 per kilogram, reflecting their rarity and demand. This rare and valuable mushroom thus provides economic opportunities primarily to local tribal communities during the monsoon collection period.
Nutritional Benefits and Medicinal Uses
Rugda mushrooms are rich in protein, with 14-16%, and contain fiber, vitamins (ascorbic acid and thiamine), essential amino acids, and minerals (calcium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium). Traditional communities use Rugda medicinally, particularly the spores, for treating burns. Recent research supports Rugda's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer qualities.
Conservation and Future Prospects
Since Rugda is a wild seasonal fungus naturally dependent on forest ecology, its sustainable harvesting is critical but not formalized through any known conservation framework as of now. State agricultural universities and state forest departments need to collaborate to learn about the life cycle of the Rugda mushroom and identify conservation methods. Basic methods such as drying, powdering, or canning could lengthen the Rugda mushroom's shelf life and provide new market opportunities.
A Symbioisis with the Forest Ecosystem
The Rugda mushroom thrives in lateritic, slightly acidic soils with temperatures around 30°C and more than 350 mm of precipitation. It has a symbiotic relationship with the roots of trees, particularly sal, jamun, amla, and eucalyptus. By obtaining nutrients from the soil and providing trees with essential minerals such as phosphorus in exchange, Rugda mushrooms play a crucial role in the forest ecosystem.
A Symbol of Jharkhand's Biodiversity
The Rugda mushroom is a symbol of Jharkhand's rich biodiversity, tribal heritage, and the untapped wealth hidden within its forests. It is a vital component of the forest ecosystem, as well as an important source of income for local communities. With the right support from the state government, such as training, equipment, and facilitation of better markets, the potential of the Rugda mushroom to enhance rural livelihoods, nutrition, and the indigenous food culture of Jharkhand can be fully realised.
References
- Rugda Mushroom: The Gold of Jharkhand
- Rugda Mushroom: A Goldmine of Jharkhand
- The Rugda Mushroom: A Seasonal Delicacy and a Source of Income for Tribal Communities in Jharkhand
- Rugda Mushroom: A Scarce and Valuable Mushroom in Jharkhand
- Cultivation of Rugda Mushroom: A Potential Source of Income for Tribal Communities in Jharkhand
- Despite the limited availability during the monsoon season, the Rugda mushroom, a unique wilderness find in Jharkhand, often found in health-and-wellness circles due to its high nutritional value, boasts a protein content of 14-16%.
- In the realm of food-and-drink, Rugda mushrooms have a distinctive taste that has sparked interest in the realm of lifestyle and cooking, with their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer qualities making them a significant contender healthwise.
- As the state delves deeper into the study of this seasonal treasure, focusing on aspects like sustainable harvesting and cultivation, there's potential for nutritional supplements, cooking ingredients, and even medicinal applications, broadening the horizon for science, nutrition, and health-and-wellness.
