Bhaderwah, Apr 08: Rainy and damp weather since last fortnight has transformed coniferous forest in J&K’s Bhaderwah into a treasure of rare Kundi Mushroom (Earth cup Fungus) much to the delight of locals especially womenfolk – who collect and sell them in the market at a good price.
‘Kundi’, the most cherished early spring delicacy disappeared from the Himalayan forests since last couple of years mainly due to dry weather resurfaced in abundance this season thereby providing livelihood to the hundreds of womenfolk of the rejion as the rare edible fungus is being received like hotcakes by the locals and visitors in the markets of Bhaderwah town.
Women often start their day at dawn, searching through lush, damp forests alongside deodar trees for this elusive fungus.
Rural women from villages of Bhaderwah valley located along dense cedar forest like Bhudda, Chinta, Duggi, Kansar, Ghuraka, Chinchora, Jatani, Thubba, Dhumanda, Sartingal, Katyara, Mathola, Hanga and Shankhoja are primarily responsible for gathering these rare mushrooms from the wild. They then sell this seasonal and loved delicacy in local markets at the rate ranging from Rs 400 to 700 per kg.
“We were disappointed that the most loved delicacy of the season, all of us use to collect from the forest soon after snow melts disappeared since last two three years but we are thankful to almighty that this year ‘Kundi’ resurfaced in abundance and our group is collecting them since last 20 days,” said Kalyana (67) of Village Bhudda.
“The recent rains have transformed our forests into the treasure of Kundi and traditionally women venture to collect them as one can find them scattered everywhere in the dense cedar trees making the otherwise silent woods into live and happening place,” said Ajay Kumar (29) of Village Chinta.
The sale of Kundi provides a direct livelihood for families in remote areas, with many walking long distances to sell their harvest in local markets in Bhaderwah.
These days every second vegetable vendor in Bhaderwah town is found selling Kundi while displaying it at the most visible place as the main attraction of their respective shops.
“This year I have sold maximum amount of ‘Kundi’ since I have started my business a decade ago. All the packs of Kundi you find in my shop are pre-booked and not only from locals but I also get orders from Delhi,” said a Vegetable vendor Anil Kumar of Jaie Road, Bhaderwah.
“Since last 20 days, I have sold this wild Mushroom worth Rs 5 lakhs and every women earns two to three thousand a day by collecting and selling it at our shop,” Anil added.
Kundi is often found growing in shaded, humid areas following post-winter snow melt and spring rains.
Apart from being a tasty seasonal delicacy, Kundi is known for its medicinal properties. It is often used in local dishes and is valued for its unique taste.
