Rare Mushroom Discovered in Dras Could Be Game-Changer for Wellness, Troops & Locals’ Livelihoods
LEH/DRAS, July 26: In a breakthrough that could marry biodiversity with wellness and sustainable development, researchers from the University of Jammu have discovered a rare medicinal mushroom — Pleurotus shentelli — growing in the trans-Himalayan belts of Dras and Mushkoh.
If harnessed commercially, and promoted as biodiversity this high-altitude fungus could hold immense potential in boosting wellness, supporting the health of troops stationed in extreme conditions, and uplifting the livelihoods of local communities.
Professor Yash Pal Sharma, Dean at the University of Jammu, along with Mr. Syed Azhar Hashmi, met with the Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, and presented their research on this rare mushroom species.
The meeting focused on the potential of Pleurotus shentelli in promoting sustainable and holistic living in high-altitude border areas.
“Pleurotus shentelli thrives in some of the harshest terrains of the Himalayas — specifically the Dras and Mushkoh valleys — making it an ecological treasure. Its unique bio-compounds can serve both nutritional and therapeutic purposes,” Prof. Sharma noted during the interaction.
Boosting Troop Wellness in Extreme Terrain
The Army is keenly looking at natural, locally-available resources to improve health and immunity of jawans deployed at icy heights. Researchers believe that the bioactive compounds in Pleurotus shentelli may aid in reducing oxidative stress, improving cardiovascular health, and strengthening immunity — crucial aspects for soldiers enduring extreme cold, low oxygen, and isolation.
Livelihood Opportunities for Locals
Beyond military application, the mushroom's discovery opens a new door for sustainable rural entrepreneurship.
“If this variety is cultivated and marketed under the right ecosystem, it can transform local livelihoods, especially for tribal and border communities of Kargil and Ladakh,” said Mr. Hashmi.
The mushroom’s value lies not just in its medicinal potential but also its appeal in gourmet cuisine and wellness products.
The researchers are now advocating for pilot projects in collaboration with the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Ministry of AYUSH, and local self-help groups to explore cultivation, value addition, and marketing possibilities.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (@MoHFW_INDIA) and the University of Jammu (@UniversityJammu) are expected to work together in future to chart a path for this promising fungus — where science, sustainability, and national service intersect at 10,000 feet.
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