Report of NRCM, Solan

Published in “Amar Ujala” on 14th April, 2007

Solan : Despite successful research, scientists are worried because of no cultivation of reishi mushroom in India. After years of research the scientists at the National Research Centre for Mushrooms at Solan, the technique of cultivation of reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has been developed but the efforts appear to be going futile because of lack of interest of farmers in cultivating it. Even after three years of research, its expansion has not occurred. Reishi mushroom is used in medicine only. Owing to lack of distribution network, farmers are hesitant to cultivate it. Until the Indian Pharmaceutical companies come forward to purchase this mushroom, its development is not possible. If the Indian companies don’t act in time the scientists may also stop experimenting on it.

On the other hand, foreign companies are manufacturing medicines from reishi mushroom. In India these companies are doing a business of 100 crore annually. According to Dr. R. D. Rai, chief scientist and head of the National Research Centre for Mushrooms, this is the most valuable medicinal mushroom. It is also known as Red Mushroom.

He told that it is no less than “Sanjeevani Booti” ( a Panacea) for killer diseases like cancer, heart disease, blood pressure and diabetes. It is capable of keeping an AIDS patient alive for a long time.

It can be adopted as a health food because it has nutritious elements like calcium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B3, vitamin C, calories and carbohydrates.