WILD EDIBLE MUSHROOMS OF NAGALAND, INDIA: A POTENTIAL FOOD RESOURCE

Wild edible mushrooms (WEM) are known for its medicinal and nutritional value across the globe. WEM have become one of the most prized after food especially in the developed countries where people are mostly health conscious. The present study throws light on the diverse flora of WEMs of Nagaland and how it can be income generator for the tribal people with proper research in this aspect. Till now, the knowledge of distinguishing between edible and non-edible varieties is only confined to people who go for mushroom hunting. As such the indigenous knowledge remains with only those few people involved. The current data can pave the way for future research work and also make people aware of the many varieties of WEMs available in the state. A total of 33 WEMs were collected and identified during the peak mushroom season of the state i.e. from end May to September of every study year.