Magical mushroom: Scaling up Ganoderma lucidum cultivation will benefit farmers, users

What is the News?

Worldwide, attempts are being made to popularize Ganoderma lucidum (Magical Mushroom) for business and livelihood, by cultivating it on wood logs and sawdust.

What is Ganoderma lucidum (Magical Mushroom)?

It is a medicinal mushroom in use for centuries. It is globally known as “red reishi mushroom”.

The history of consumption of this mushroom can be traced back to 5,000 years ago in China. 

It also finds mention in the historical and medical records of countries like Japan, Korea, Malaysia and India.

It has also earned several nicknames such as “mushroom of immortality”, “celestial herb” and “auspicious herb”.

What is unique about this Magical Mushroom?

Unlike normal mushrooms, the peculiar character of this mushroom is that it grows on wood or wood-based substrate only. 

It thrives well in warm and humid climates and grows preferably in mixed forests of subtropical to temperate regions.

What are the uses of Magical Mushrooms?

It is used to heal diseases like diabetes, cancer, inflammation, ulcer as well as bacterial and skin infections. 

Apart from medicinal uses, it is also used as a base material for manufacturing products such as tea, coffee, energy supplements, health boosters, beverages, baked goods and anti-ageing cosmetics.

Where is this Magical Mushroom cultivated currently?

Its mass production is restricted to countries like China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and the United States of America.

Awareness regarding Ganoderma is spreading and the demand for this mushroom has pushed many countries, including India, to produce it on a large scale and manufacture its products.

What is the Scope of Cultivation in India?

India, a country where the majority of the population primarily relies on agriculture, has great potential to cultivate this mushroom.

It can be grown indoors and is thus safe from the impacts of extreme weather conditions, man-wildlife conflicts, harsh topography and poor soil conditions.

However, in India, the mushroom is mostly restricted to laboratory research at present. Some successful attempts for its cultivation, however, have been made by various Indian organizations.

Source: This post is based on the article “Magical mushroom: Scaling up Ganoderma lucidum cultivation will benefit farmers, users” published in Down To Earth on 5th April 2022.