The arrival of the monsoon season has brought a surge of wild mushrooms to the Sariya market in the Giridih district, providing a significant economic opportunity for local residents. The forests surrounding the area, filled with trees such as sal and acacia, are prime locations for these mushrooms to flourish. These mushrooms, called ‘khukhdi’ by locals, are popular due to their taste and health benefits. The villagers collect and sell the mushrooms at the Sariya market. Currently, ‘footka’ is priced at ₹1000 per kilogram, ‘bherando khukhdi’ at ₹400, and ‘Teknas’ mushroom between ₹1200 and ₹1400. This business provides a livelihood for those living close to the forests. Dr. Lalan Kumar, a medical officer at the Sariya Primary Health Center, highlights that the mushrooms are a great source of protein, vitamins, calcium, and iron and beneficial for digestion, preventing constipation, and even helping lower blood pressure. But he also cautions against consuming mushrooms without proper identification, as some may be poisonous.
