In forest-dominated areas, the local communities depend on forests for their food, medicine, and livelihood. Seasonal livelihoods are observed mostly in these areas. Wild edible mushrooms are a seasonal source of livelihood and food for tribal communities. Keeping the importance of wild mushrooms in providing livelihood opportunities, an attempt has been made to document the economically important wild edible mushrooms of Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India. Results revealed that about 10 species are collected from the forest which are used to sell in weekly markets and roadsides of the study areas. Among the enumerated wild mushrooms, the highest price was observed with “Rugda/Phutka” mushrooms (Astraeus hygrometricus). It was noticed that Termitomyces microcarpus is the first choice of the sellers and buyers too. The Amanita egregia is also very much popular among the buyers due to good yield and palatability. The paper highlights the importance of wild mushrooms as Non-Timber Forest Produces and recommends that there is need of value addition of economically important wild mushrooms for sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Exacum paucisquamum (C. B. Clarke) Klack., so far known only from Western & Eastern Himalayas in India, is reported for the first time from Odisha state. A detailed description of the species, including its phenology, distribution and photographs along with documented associated plants are provided for easy identification in the field. The authors observed it under the leaf litter in moist deciduous forest of Bonai Forest Division, Odisha, India. Therefore, the prevention of forest fire is important to conserve the plants growing associated with leaf litter. The occurrence of E. paucisquamum also indicates the healthy forest of the study areas and further need more exploration works on floral diversity.
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.
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