Economically Important Wild Edible Mushrooms of Bonai Forest Division, Odisha, India

Abstract

Bonai Forest Division is rich in flora and faunal species. The fertile forest-dominated areas provide a good platform for growing wild mushrooms. The locals collect them for food, medicine, and economic purposes. Addressing the economic value of wild mushrooms will provide a platform for value addition and management of forest & wildlife in Bonai Forest Division, Odisha. Considering the importance of wild mushrooms in the day-to-day lives of tribal communities of the division, an attempt has been made to enumerate the mushrooms having economic values. A survey was carried out during 2021-2022 in 7 ranges. 15 wild mushrooms were identified as having economic value. Rugda mushrooms are the most popular of the 15, and can be sold for up to Rs. 1800 per kg. The present study brings attention to the urgent need for value additions to these mushrooms for the sustainable development of the local communities.