PONDA: The highly anticipated and delectable seasonal mushroom, Olmi, has arrived in the Ponda market, generating significant demand. However, the quantity is limited, resulting in high prices. A bundle of 30 to 40 mushrooms is priced at Rs 900 and above, making it unaffordable for the common man.
After heavy rainfall, a dry spell occurred, providing an opportunity for Olmi pluckers to venture into the forest.
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Vendors explained that searching for Olmi in the hills and forests requires several hours, as they grow on anthills. Subsequent heavy showers after the dry spell are necessary for the mushrooms to bloom on the anthills.
While wealthy individuals rushed to purchase Olmi, the common man found the prices to be excessively high and beyond their reach.
Various culinary preparations, such as Olmi Tondak, Olmi Baji, and fried Olmi, are made using this mushroom, and locals eagerly consume them.
Despite the high demand for edible mushrooms, there is a ban on plucking or collecting Roen Olmi from the forest, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem’s balance.
The Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) has previously warned of potential pandemics if Olmi is overexploited, as it is an integral part of the ecosystem.
The locals who pluck Olmi must exercise caution in distinguishing between edible and non-edible or poisonous mushrooms, as past incidents have occurred where individuals fell ill after mistakenly consuming poisonous mushrooms.
