Dr. Bhavana Dixit (ELP 2022) | Assistant Professors in Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India

Leaving behind rain washed forests and lush green meadows, the monsoon season paints these Chhattisgarh regions with bright, new colours. Realising the fragrances of soil and beauty of forest is unbelievable. Surprisingly, on the ground, I saw a tiny, beautiful umbrella-like white structure that attracted me. Yes… They were mushrooms. In India, Chhattisgarh is third in the terms of forest cover. Chhattisgarh state is one of the most forest-covered developing states of India, with 44.21 percent total forest area to the total geographical area of the state. It is also the densest forest in India and known as the green state, with huge biodiverse habitats in it. Chhattisgarh has tremendous wildlife and more than 200 types of NTFPs (non-timber forest products). Chhattisgarh state has both tropical humid deciduous forests and tropical dry deciduous forests. The main plant species are sal (Shorea robusta) and teak (Tectona grandis). Also, some top canopy species are bija (Pterocarpus marsupium), saja (Terminalia tomentosa), dhavdha (Anogeissus latifolia), mahua (Madhuca indica), and tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon). Some mid-canopy species are anwala (Embilica officinalis), karra (Cleistanthus collius) and bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus). The vegetation found in this state are so important in terms of environmental balance. They are also the principal means of livelihood of forest-dwellers. 

Chhattisgarh state is home to the huge diversity of mushroom flora among which some are edible.  Some important species of mushrooms are Termitomyces microcarpus, Termitomyces heimii, Termitomyces clypeatus, Boletus edulis, Astraeus hygrometricus, Auricularia auricula-judae, Ganoderma lucidum, Russula virescens, Russula rosea, Russula senecis, Volvariella volvaceae, Schizophyllum commune, Calocybe indica, Termitomyces species (bhado putu), and Termitomyces sp. (bhimora phutu).

Population of these fungi varies with habitat and climatic conditions. These naturally occurring edible mushrooms can be collected and may be used as a staple food for human consumption or even marketed as a minor forest product, having excellent potential to add to the tribal economy. This is especially important for tribal women who collect mushrooms for their livelihood which becomes their additional source of income. 

Mushrooms are a chief source of nutrient-rich food, therapeutic medicine, and income among the tribal communities of Chhattisgarh, as well as India. The significance of mushroom diversity is that it is not only a source of healthy food, medicine, and income generation, but these mushrooms also play a crucial role in nutrient reprocessing, plant growth and establishment in forests. These are the necessary reasons for conservation.