Srinagar, March 31: A south Kashmir researcher hasdocumented nearly 100 indigenous and yet little-known varieties of mushrooms in the valley including the most expensive fungi in the world Gucchi (morel).
Dr Rauf Hamza Boda hailing from south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, started his research on mushroom when he was pursuing his PhD at the University of Kashmir.
In his research paper, the researcher has documented about 100 mushrooms from forest areas in South Kashmir and evaluated them for antioxidants.
From 2002 to till date Rauf continues to explore new places. Mushroom was his first research project and since then he has been continuing the research on the mushroom.
His first research was published in 2010 at the varsity which was also published in national, international journals. He has documented research on Morchella esculenta (Guchi), Agaricus Bisporous (Button Mushroom), Coprinus Spp. (Inky Caps), Agrocybe, Lycoperdon pyriform (puffball), lentinus tigrinus, Birds Nest Mushroom, Pleurotus Spp.(Dingri mushroom).
The researcher for 20 years, he informs youth about how to identify mushrooms and what varieties are poisonous and what are edible and shares their scientific and common names.
The researcher said he has has explored the medicinal values of mushrooms as many mushrooms have anti-cancer agents.
Rauf has so far published twelve research papers on different topics which were published in national and international research journals.
“There is more scope for research in mushroom. Most mushrooms act as anti-cancer agents and have high protein content. Many people do not prefer meat they prefer mushrooms. It is also called as poor man’s meat,” he said.
He said mushrooms, are known for their significant health benefits as these contain a variety of medicinal properties.
“Vitamin D content is high in mushrooms. Mushrooms have low carbohydrate content and it is good for sugar patients. Iron is also high in mushrooms,” he said.
He said Kashmir has naturally growing types of mushrooms like Guchi, button mushroom, inky caps, puffball, birds nest mushroom, dingri mushroom etc. Some of which are edible, including well-known species such as buttons, oysters, porcini and chanterelles..
“It is estimated that their production has decreased as a result of different human activities. Other mushrooms that grow in early spring, such as the monkey cap, are beginning to disappear. Earlier, they were seen in March and April,” he said.
Rauf has also authored a book on mushroom titled Nano Mashroom Identifier which is also available on Amazon. The book was published in 2013.
In 2017, he was conferred with Global Role Model Teacher award for his contribution to J&K’s education sector.
