Sariya Market Sees a Surge in Wild Mushroom Sales

The forests surrounding the Sariya block in Jharkhand are currently teeming with wild mushrooms, leading to brisk sales and good earnings for local villagers. These mushrooms, known locally as ‘khukhdi,’ thrive during the monsoon season, growing amidst the sal, palash, and other trees that dominate the landscape. The mushrooms are prized for their flavor and nutritional value, making them a popular choice for consumers. Villagers gather the mushrooms from the forests and bring them to the Sariya market, where they are sold at competitive prices. The market currently sees varieties like ‘footka’ selling at ₹1000 per kilogram, ‘bherando khukhdi’ at ₹400, and ‘Teknas’ mushrooms ranging from ₹1200 to ₹1400 per kilogram. This activity provides a crucial source of income for the villagers, who can earn between one and two thousand rupees daily. The mushrooms are often called ‘vegetarian mutton’ by locals due to their taste and health benefits.