A woman sells rugra mushrooms at Kutchery Chowk in Ranchi. File picture

Ranchi, Aug.11: The state science and technology department is considering a biotechnology professor’s project proposal to improve the nutritional quality and yield of various varieties of edible mushrooms.

For his project, Sudhir Kumar, a biotechnology professor of Marwari College, plans to focus on “rugra” and “khukhri” varieties of edible mushrooms that are commonly found the forests of Jharkhand.

“So far, no work has been reported on the rugra variety. We plan to find its nutritive and medicinal values,” said Kumar, who is a PhD from Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi.

“Soon after the department approves our research proposal we will start looking for ways to genetically improve its cultivation,” he added.

Both the rugra and khukhri varieties grow in abundance, especially under sal and sakhua trees, during the rains. They are generally highly priced. The cream coloured rugra variety sells at Rs 120 to Rs 150 per kg.

G.S.P. Gupta, a technical officer with the Jharkhand Council on Science and Technology, a wing of the state science and technology department that decides on research proposals, said, “We will assess the project and act as an interface in quality upgradation.”

He agreed that local varieties of mushroom should be genetically improved in the laboratory so that the rural market is benefited.

Kumar pointed out that very few people were aware of the nutritional values of rugra.

“In the state no specific area has been identified for the variety to flourish. We are going to identify the correct method of growing through our research project,” Kumar said.