Rugda-A Wild Fungus

Why in News?

Rugda, a seasonal wild mushroom popular in Jharkhand and adjoining regions, has attracted attention for its cultural, nutritional and economic significance. It is an important non-timber forest produce (NTFP) that provides seasonal income to tribal households.

About Rugda

• Scientific name: Astraeus hygrometricus.
• Type: Wild, edible mushroom.
• Season: Primarily harvested during the monsoon.
• Distribution: Commonly found across the Chhotanagpur Plateau region, including Jharkhand and adjoining parts of Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Bihar.
• Local names: Futka, puttu and kudkudia.
• Popular name: Known as vegetarian mutton because of its firm and chewy texture.

Economic Significance

• Rugda is an important source of seasonal income for tribal households in forested villages.
• It is collected from forests and sold in local markets as a non-timber forest produce.
• In Jharkhand, its price may range from ₹500 to ₹3,000 per kilogram, depending on the season and location of harvesting.
• In some markets, it fetches higher prices than meat.

Nutritional and Cultural Significance

• Rugda forms part of the traditional seasonal diet of tribal communities.
• It is locally valued for its nutritional properties.
• It is widely believed to help address anaemia and malnutrition among women and children; however, such health benefits should be distinguished from scientifically established clinical evidence.

Scientific Background

• Rugda entered scientific literature in the late 19th century when mycologists identified it as Astraeus hygrometricus.
• Its identification brought a traditionally consumed wild mushroom into the field of scientific study.

Source: Down To Earth

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