Farmers earning good income from selling chanterelle mushroom, Mushroom Collectors Flock to Thimphu and Paro for Sisi Shamu Delight
With the rainy season in full swing, mushroom collectors have flocked to the forests of Thimphu and Paro in search of the highly sought-after Sisi Shamu, commonly known as Chanterelles, and other edible mushrooms. The allure of these golden mushrooms has attracted a diverse group of collectors, including farmers, housewives, and office workers, who see an opportunity to earn extra income as Chanterelles fetch a good price in the market.
At the Centenary Farmers’ Market (CFM) in Thimphu, one vendor named Tshomo confirmed the popularity of Sisi Shamu, saying, “Customers rush for the Sisi Shamu.” The yellow mushroom, considered a local delicacy, can be spotted at various markets and roadside stalls these days, with prices ranging from Nu 300-350 for 250 grams to as high as Nu 1,200-1,400 per kilogram. However, the prices are slightly cheaper in Paro and on the roadsides, where 250 grams of mushroom cost Nu 200-250.
While the lucrative business is attracting more collectors, experts have raised concerns about the sustainability of harvesting practices, warning that the popularity of Chanterelles could lead to the fungi’s extinction. The National Mushroom Centre’s senior mushroom official, explained that, unlike some mushrooms that can be cultivated on farms, Sisi Shamu cannot, making it more vulnerable to overharvesting.
According to Official, despite the center’s efforts to educate collectors, the rush to gather Chanterelles poses a significant risk to their survival. Even expatriate laborers are joining in the collection due to the mushroom’s high demand. The Mushroom Centre has been researching ways to grow Sisi Shamu in farms, but so far, attempts have not been successful in Bhutan, although it is done in some European countries.
While this year’s mushroom harvest is expected to be better due to abundant rainfall, the overall trend of mushroom growth is declining every year. Collectors have noticed a decrease in mushroom availability, with some struggling to find even a kilogram of mushrooms in a day. This diminishing supply is a worrying sign for the future of Chanterelles.
Ap Drupchu, a 73-year-old collector from Babesa, shared his concerns, saying, “Sisi Shamu was collected only for self-consumption in the past. Because of the price it fetches, more people are collecting it these days.” He reminisced about the days when he could gather enough for a meal in just an hour, but now, a substantial haul is hard to come by.
Chanterelles have significant nutritional value, being relatively high in vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin D. Scientific research suggests that they possess potent insecticidal properties, offering protection against insects and other potentially harmful organisms while being harmless to humans.
To address the issue of unsustainable harvesting, the Mushroom Centre aims to continue training collectors on sustainable practices and collaborate with the Department of Forest to find solutions for the long-term preservation of Sisi Shamu and other edible mushrooms. Without these efforts, the cherished golden Chanterelles may disappear from the forests, leaving behind only memories of their once abundant presence.
By Kinley Yonten
