Simdega Forest Wild Mushroom Tribal Collection

Simdega district's dense mixed sal and arjun forest produces abundant wild mushrooms during the monsoon season that tribal women harvest as a significant dietary protein source and cash income item from June to September. Dhingri (oyster mushroom), benda (termite mushroom), and various Russula and Lactarius species are identified by expert tribal collectors using traditional knowledge of mushroom habitat and toxicity. Simdega's tribal communities sell wild mushrooms at haath markets; value-added dried mushroom cooperatives in the district have been established by NGOs who connect tribal collectors to the emerging dried mushroom market for hotels and restaurants in Ranchi and Jamshedpur.