Mae Hong Son villagers reap profits from collecting mushrooms

Villagers in Mae Hong Son are taking advantage of the annual opportunity to gather barometer earthstar mushrooms, earning up to 2,000 baht per day. These mushrooms, known for their white flesh and sweet, crunchy taste, have become a significant economic driver in the region.

During the early rainy season, Mae Hong Son’s forests produce an abundance of barometer earthstar mushrooms, selling for as much as 100 baht per liter. This has led local villagers, many of whom face economic challenges, to venture into the forest to collect and sell the mushrooms, significantly boosting their household income. The thriving business of exporting these mushrooms has also grown.

Nattawi Sereetanapong, a resident of the Hmong Pong subdistrict, and her 18-year-old daughter are among those who have found a new source of income through the collection of barometer earthstar mushrooms. They shared that while the mushrooms are not available year-round, their sporadic appearance provides a much-needed boost to the family’s finances.

The collection and sale of barometer earthstar mushrooms have become a vital part of the local economy. As one villager explained, “We have limited income and must rely on nature. Waiting for government aid isn’t feasible. Collecting barometer earthstar mushrooms can yield one bucket per day, equivalent to 20 liters, resulting in daily earnings of 2,000 baht. Everyone in the village participates, though some collect more than others depending on their luck in finding the mushrooms.” The mushrooms are then sold to local vendors, who in turn sell them to markets in Chiang Mai and Lamphun at relatively high prices.

The price of barometer earthstar mushrooms has decreased slightly to 80 to 100 baht per liter, depending on their freshness and daily availability. The price fluctuates, reflecting its status as Mae Hong Son’s top forest-based economic product, generating turnover in the hundreds of thousands to millions of baht. Villagers can collect between 10 to 20 liters daily, earning substantial income during the in-season period, which occurs only once a year.

After the May to June rains, the forests of Mae Hong Son come alive with an abundance of barometer earthstar mushrooms. This signals the villagers to prepare their digging tools and head into the forest. The mushrooms are carefully collected and packed, ready to be transported to the markets. Sura Sak Panya, head of the Mae Hong Son postal office, noted that the current mushroom boom has led to the postal service handling 800 kilograms to 1 tonne of mushrooms daily, valued at over 100,000 baht per day.

Prasert Pradit, President of Mae Hong Son Cultural Council, described the mushrooms as “heavenly mushrooms” for grassroots communities, providing food and substantial income. He highlighted that the mushrooms help cover various expenses, including clothing, school fees, debts, and village fund contributions.

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Prasert speculated that this year’s yield would be high due to favorable weather conditions, including sunny days, evening rains, and hail in some areas.

“The old belief is that areas without forest fires don’t yield mushrooms, but when the forest is burned, mushrooms abound. Villagers trust this observation more than academic studies,” he added.