Upper Dir, located approximately 260 kilometers northwest of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is renowned for its natural bounty, especially the valuable wild mushroom known locally as "gosee" or "gochi." Found in the mountainous and forested regions of Kohistan, Gul Dai, Doog Dara, Dobando, Hatan Dara, Barawal, and Ushirai Dara, this mushroom flourishes from March to May during the spring rains.
Despite its small size, this mushroom has the potential to make its gatherers either wealthy or destitute, depending on their luck and the market conditions. For the people of Upper Dir's highlands, it has become a crucial source of income, despite the arduous and exhausting task of foraging in the wild.
According to Gul Zameen, a resident of Dubando, the mushroom season begins at the end of winter with the onset of spring rains. People from various parts of Upper Dir, including Zakha and Dubando, venture into the mountains and forests to search for this precious fungus. These mushrooms are found throughout Upper Dir, including areas like Hatan, Bain, Shingar Dara, Barawal, and Kohistan, and this foraging tradition has been passed down for centuries.
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However, over the past two decades, the demand for these mushrooms has surged in both domestic and international markets. With prices reaching thousands of rupees per kilogram, locals now see this mushroom not just as food but as a lucrative business opportunity. Many impoverished and unemployed individuals can earn substantial sums over the three to four-month season.
Gul Zameen explains that the profitability of mushroom hunting increased significantly when it became a sought-after commodity in countries like Europe, the USA, and Iran. These mushrooms are used in various medicinal applications and gourmet dishes, attracting large-scale buyers to the Malakand Division, including Upper Dir, Chitral, and Swat. Today, mushrooms are sold for 24,000 to 28,000 rupees per kilogram, making it a vital economic activity for hundreds of families.
Khalid Khan from Upper Barawal describes the challenging process of collecting mushrooms in harsh weather conditions. To maximize their earnings, locals often dry the mushrooms for one or two weeks, as dried mushrooms fetch higher prices than fresh ones. However, the global market's fluctuations, such as last year's decrease in rates to 22,000 to 24,000 rupees per kilogram, have impacted their income.
Badshahuddin, a mushroom trader in Dir, likens the business to dealing in gold due to its fluctuating nature, influenced by global market trends and currency exchange rates. Despite these challenges, Pakistani mushrooms remain popular in European markets for their superior quality.
The rise of artificial mushroom production in China has also affected prices. Chinese mushrooms are sold at much lower prices in European markets, yet the demand for Pakistani mushrooms remains strong due to their natural qualities and effectiveness in medicinal use.
Saeed Hakeem, a major mushroom trader in Dir, highlights the socio-economic impact of this business. During the season, thousands of people from hundreds of families find employment, earning substantial amounts that provide financial stability in an otherwise challenging economic climate.
Medical experts emphasize the centuries-old use of mushrooms, particularly in Asia. In Pakistan's northern mountainous regions, Afghanistan, India, and Sri Lanka, mushrooms are a dietary staple. In Europe, especially Greece, researchers and medical scientists utilize mushrooms in developing treatments for various ailments, including cancer, immune system enhancement, liver health, and antibacterial applications.
The natural mushroom from Upper Dir has thus emerged as a valuable asset, driving economic growth and offering a lifeline to many families in the region.
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18 Apr, 2025
