Market Demand for ‘Shravana Chhatu’ Picks Up During Shravana Month as Consumers Turn to the Traditional Seasonal Delicacy

Dabugaon, Aug 19 [UDN}: Despite arriving late in the market this year due to inadequate rainfall, the seasonal Shravana Chhatu (wild mushroom) is now witnessing a sharp rise in demand. In the Dabugaon market, the mushroom is being sold at around ₹800 to ₹1,000 per kilogram. Despite its high price, customers are gathering in large numbers from early morning to purchase it.
Because of its distinctive taste and limited availability, buyers are reportedly purchasing the mushroom without much bargaining. Although cultivated varieties such as paddy-straw and button mushrooms are available throughout the year, Shravana Chhatu is considered special because it is naturally available only during the monsoon season.
The mushroom grows naturally in the dense forests and around termite mounds of Nabarangpur and Koraput districts during the rainy season. Members of tribal communities collect the mushrooms from the forest and sell them in local markets. Small traders also purchase and resell the mushrooms, earning a good profit.
For many families, this forest produce has become an additional source of income during the monsoon. Since Shravana Chhatu is available in considerable quantities in the Dabugaon area, many customers are also purchasing it to send to relatives living in other towns and cities.
As a result, the Dabugaon market is witnessing an increasing crowd of customers every day, with people eager to get their hands on the seasonal delicacy despite its premium price.