Yahya Hallare

Daijiworld Media Network – Bhatkal (EP)

Bhatkal, Jul 29: Mushrooms are being sold in big quantity in and around here for the past some days. Farmers bring mushrooms from forests in Haduvalli, Konara and Marukeri in the taluk and Manki, Anantawadi and Gunavanthe from Honnavar taluk. The sale per day exceed over Rs 1 lac, it is estimated.

Like Bhatkal Jasmine, there is good demand for tasty mushrooms called Heggali here. The demand has grown due to its high nutritional value. Mushrooms can be used in masala, fry and biryani also. People from Navayath community like Heggali more than other varieties.

Mushroom preparations are also sent to Mumbai, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Doha Qatar, Kuwait, UK and USA where Bhatkal people reside.  The mushroom price has gone up now. 100 mushrooms based on their sizes are sold for even up to Rs 800. Agents have started coming here to buy mushrooms to send to other places. While some agents go to the villages to collect mushrooms from the farmers, others wait on roadsides to buy them. An agent earns a profit between Rs 500 to Rs 2,000 per day. It is expected that mushroom sale will reach a peak within few days.

Qamar Saada, a prominent businessman from Jeddah says “We are buying because it is a craze among our community and mushroom is very also a healthy. But the price is too high presently with Rs 600-800 for 100 pieces. As a result middle class people cannot afford to buy it. It is a seasonal food and everyone wants to taste it."

Mubasshir Hallare, a local resident said that agents are the reason for the rise in mushroom prices. “I buy Mushrooms even though those are expensive, as I like the taste.” he said.