Enhancing Livelihood through Ganoderma Mushroom Cultivation
Enhancing Livelihood through Ganoderma Mushroom Cultivation
Ganoderma lucidum (reishi mushroom), has a wide pharmaceutical properties, attributed to the presence of bioactive metabolites such as ganoderic acid, triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptides. It grows as a parasite of hardwoods, causing white rot disease, and also feeds on decaying organic matter from dead trees. A broad spectrum of its pharmacological actions have been established which include immunomodulation, anticancer, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties and estrogenic activity.
It contains bioactive compounds that may help treat hormone-related aging issues like osteoporosis. It has shown protective effects against liver inflammation (hepatitis), and its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties suggest potential for managing autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, Reishi may support heart health by helping lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.
Given its potential for income generation and rural upliftment, it has been identified as a priority crop under the 13th Five-Year Plan to support the socio-economic development of rural communities.
This initiative aligns with Bhutan for Life’s efforts to empower communities in protected areas by integrating traditional knowledge with modern, organic, and climate-smart agriculture practices. Through targeted interventions in important watershed areas, the project promotes ecosystem-based adaptation while fostering income-generating opportunities. The cultivation of Ganoderma mushrooms is a nature-based solution that can drive both environmental resilience and socio-economic progress.
Background and Rationale
The initiative in Jigme Dorji National Park reflects a strategic approach to integrated rural development and biodiversity conservation. By providing high-value income-generating opportunities, in these remote communities, the initiative directly boosts rural livelihoods and reduces dependence on unsustainable forest extraction practices. The cultivation of Reishi, an alternative to wild Non-Wood Forest Product (NWFP) collection ensures sustainable resource use while tapping into Bhutan’s rich traditional knowledge and pristine forest ecosystems.
The Intervention
The initiative is led by the National Mushroom Centre in collaboration with the Dzongkhag Agriculture Sector, Gewog Administration of Goenshari, and Jigme Dorji National Park. Financial support amounting to Nu. 3.201 million was secured through the Bhutan for Life Program in its sixth year. Project implementation covers key sites including Khatoed and Khamoed Gewogs under Gasa District and Balana, and Zhelngosa, Goenshari Gewog under Punakha District, with a strong focus on climate-smart and ecosystem-based adaptation practices.
Early Success & Community Impact
Early results are promising, as the total beneficiaries of 18 households from Balana, and Zhelngosa under Goenshari Gewog, Punakha Dzongkhag and Khatoed and Khamoed Gewog under Gasa Dzongkhag harvested around 57 kg of mushroom. They sold the dried mushroom to Menjong Sorig Pharmaceuticals at Nu. 3000 per kg, generating over Nu. 1,71,300 in revenue from the first harvest. These early successes have inspired communities to express interest in joining, signaling potential for scale-up.
Sustainability & Market Development
To ensure long-term sustainability, a phased plough-back model has been introduced beginning with external donor support, progressing to community partnerships, and eventually transitioning to full community ownership. Gewog-level planning is underway to mobilize co-financing and support through local budgets. The signing of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) agreements under the National Biodiversity Centre’s bioprospecting project has further institutionalized benefit-sharing and ethical commercialization. Simultaneously, the Dzongkhag Administration is advocating for value-added product development, such as teas or cosmetics, under a proposed “Gift from Punakha” brand to enhance product visibility and branding.
Summary
