Scientists at Kutch-basedGujaratInstitute of Desert ECOLOGY (GUIDE) have successfully cultivated cordyceps militaris a mushroom species that traditionally found its use in Chinese and Tibetan herbal medicines. The scientists grew themushroomsin 35 jars in a controlled Environment in a laboratory within 90 days giving 350 grams yield. The mushroom is valued at Rs1.50 lakh a kg.
The institute which has found it useful in treating even breast cancer has decided to provide training to entrepreneurs at a very nominal fee as a livelihood option to cultivate mushrooms at laboratory scale.