WILD MUSHROOMS: A SOURCE OF LIVELIHOOD AND FUTURE URBAN FOODB.L. Manjula and Sanjeet KumarAbstract Wild edible mushrooms are more popular non timber forest products (NTFPs) which are highly valued as functional food for their medicinal and nutritional benefits. Several wild mushroom species have been pointed out as sources of bioactive compounds, in addition to their important nutritional value. They are the major source of income for the indigenous communities throughout the world. In Bonai Forest Division, Sundargarh, Odisha, survey was conducted during 2021 to 2022 with informants using semistructured interviews and gathered the information about the wild edible mushrooms available in their forest with their marketability. It was observed that the mushrooms play as an excellent source of livelihood for local communities in Bonai Forest Division and these mushrooms are sold in the local markets starting from 10-20 rupees to 400 rupees. Therefore, the wild edible mushrooms which are available in the state need more exploration. It could be a valuable nutraceutical, making them essential in combating food insecurity. Additional research is needed so that the wild edible mushrooms can be commercialized which can play a key role in the socio-economic upliftment of the tribal people and will add organic food to the urban food basket. |