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Cordyceps militaris (Source: Social Networks)
At a staggering Rs 100,000 per kilogram, this mushroom is unlike its culinary counterparts whose price ranges between Rs 200 and Rs 400 per kilogram.
In a startling revelation that took place during the recent foundation day celebrations of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in Delhi, a mushroom called Cordyceps militaris has emerged as a discovery worth mentioning. This mushroom, which is valued at Rs 100,000 per kilogram, unlike its culinary counterparts that range in price from Rs 200 to Rs 400 per kilogram, is not just a vegetable but a potent medicinal resource.
Dr BL Atri, a scientist at the Directorate of Fungi Research, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, explained its remarkable health benefits. Cordyceps militaris, which is usually harvested and sun-dried for preservation, is hailed for its therapeutic properties, especially beneficial for kidney and heart patients as it improves stamina and is a favourite among athletes. It is selectively available and can be purchased from Solan.
Dr Satish Kumar, another scientist at the centre, detailed the cultivation process, stressing on controlled environments with temperatures ranging between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius. The cultivation is done in small jars, each of which yields about 25 grams, resulting in 200 to 250 pieces. This meticulous cultivation takes 45 days.
In addition, efforts are being made to educate farmers across the country on the cultivation of this prized mushroom. Dr. BL Atri highlighted the ongoing training programmes at the research centre, which aim to equip groups of farmers with the necessary skills for cultivation on a monthly basis.
