Jagdalpur: Chattisgarh's Bastar, known for its rich floral diversity, is famed as the island of Shorea Robusta tree forest. The place is a key source for Boda, a small round fruiting body of a fungus that grows underground. Available only during the time of the monsoon, known for its high nutritional value and protein, Bastar's Boda is now being sold in the market at Rs 1200/kg, but still, the fungi see a huge demand. Boda, also rich in vitamin, fibre, calorific value is also being used by the local tribal inhabitants as a medicine to heal several ailments.
Known as the black gold of sal forest, Bodas grow near sal trees and are soft from inside with a hard crust. What makes Boda more unique is its availability only in the monsoon season, seasonal Bodas have high skyrocketing price but still, markets witness heavy rush from the early hours.
Not only this, Bodas have delicious taste which makes it popular among the locals and is a major source of income for them. Agricultural experts and scientists explained that there are no seeds inside Boda and they have not been able to come up with an artificial technique of production. It grows naturally and it is also supplied to other states, even 300 kms away, owing to its high demand. Apart from this, people from other areas of Chhattisgarh also come to purchase Boda.
READ: A class XII student of Chhatisgarh soars high amidst adversity
According to locals, who are associated with the cultivation of Boda, said that change of climate affects the growth of Bodas. Despite its limited availability in a particular season, people prefer it over non-vegetarian food.
Experts said when sal leaves decay and experience the first lash of monsoon, Boda starts growing. The hot and humid climate has a vital role to play in the cultivation of Bodas for which Bastar is well-known.
