SHIBERGHAN (Pajhwok): A surge in edible mushroom production has resulted in a price decline in northern Jawzjan province, with the government taking no steps to explore markets for this product, local official said on Sunday.
Abundant rainfall this year spurred the growth of wild mushrooms in different parts of the province, where people are busy collecting the product. In 2016, one kilogram of dried mushrooms accounted for 5,000 afghanis but this year the rate has come down to 3,000 afghanis.
Mohammad Alam, a resident of the provincial capital who brought some mushrooms to the Shiberghan bazaar, said: “By selling the fungus in this season, I meet family financial needs.”
Alam brought 30 kilograms of fresh mushrooms to the market, selling one kilogram for 350 to 400 afghanis. He picked the mushrooms from desserts and farms. He called it the best source of income for people living in far-flung areas.
Naqibullah, a Shiberghan-based shopkeeper, said more mushrooms had grown in the province this year — thanks to more rainfall. However, mushroom prices have fallen in the local market.
“We purchase fresh mushroom from suppliers and later dry them up and sell one kilogram of it for $40 to businessmen,” he added.
Haji Achal, who runs a mushroom business, linked its production level rainfall. Mushroom growth starts from February to late April. He said eight kilograms of fresh mushrooms become one kilogram after being dried.
He estimated the price of one kilogram of dried mushrooms at $40 this year. Last year, the businessman recalled the same amount was sold for $100.
Haji Yolbares Attaee, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), head for Jawzjan, blasted the government for doing nothing to regulate mushroom prices or explore new markets for the product.
He said the fungus, also used in medicine manufacture, had profitable markets. However, he did not have information regarding the exact amount of mushroom exports. The fungus growing from spores has a short span of life.
nh/mud
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