It's monsoon season, a time when the seasonal delicacy mushrooms are much sought after by Goans. Edible mushrooms are very popular in Goa but few are aware about their ecological and biological aspects. In 1992, Goa's forest department banned mushroom harvesting, and in 1993, the ban was amended to apply only to wildlife sanctuaries and government forests. Due to the two-month fishing ban making fishing in the sea difficult, river fish find pride of place in daily meals. Meanwhile, for vegetarians, it’s the season for ‘Olmi’ or edible wild mushrooms, widely sold all along the highways in cities from July till September. The popularity of edible wild mushrooms is turning into an ecological threat for the forests of Goa. The Termitomyces species in Goa, which grow on termite hills, are eaten most widely. They are harvested from the forested areas mainly in talukas of Valpoi, Sattari, Canacona. The government needs to exercise control on the harvesting of these mushrooms so that they are not exploited. What is needed is the creation of awareness in the local communities about sustainable practices.
