CHITRAL: The production of morels and wild mushrooms in the pastures of the Chitral region has significantly declined due to its unfriendly harvesting methods, claims local trader Bashir Hussain Azad.

Mr Azad, who does business in Shahi Bazaar, told Dawn that the harvesting season of morels and wild mushrooms in Chitral began in April and lasted for two months, during which a large number of youth collected those mushrooms from the nearby forest on a daily basis and earned a handsome amount of money.

He said for the last many years, mushroom production had been constantly declining, which was evident from the volume of transactions carried out in the local market, including in his shop, where mushrooms were purchased for further sale.

“The forests of Bumburate, Mulen Gol, Golen, Sheshi Koh, Rumbur, Drosh Gol, and Ursoon are known for the high production of black morels and mushrooms, which have high demand in the national market,” he said.

Mr Azad said unfriendly harvesting methods were the major reason for the declining mushroom production.

“Collectors, in a bid to gather more and more mushrooms, uprooted their bases, which are to recuperate and germinate in the next season,” he said.

The trader claimed high mushroom prices increased the “greed” of collectors, who ignored future earnings while going for anti-crop harvesting methods.

“This dangerous trend can be contained only through the collective efforts of society. We all should persuade mushroom collectors to adopt and promote friendly harvesting,” he said. Mr Azad said he was happy to see some organisations in many villages create awareness of mushroom harvesting. He also said the overgrazing of pastures harmed the growth of morels as their seedlings got trampled by goats.

Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2024