Collection, drying and marketing of morels in Utror valley Kalam district Swat
Collection, drying and marketing of morels in Utror valley Kalam district Swat
Syed Fazal Baqi Kakakhel
ABSTRACT
This paper is based on a research project carried out to study 'Role of morels in the socio economic status of the rural community of Utror valley, Kalam District Swat, Utror valley supports five species of Morels including Morchella hybrida, Morchella angusticeps, Morchella esculanta, Morchella delicosa, and Morchella conica'. Morels are collected, dried, packed and marketed for its economic incentives, medicinal value and use for food. The locals of the valley use their endogenous knowledge for collection, drying, packing and marketing. Questionnaire of standard questions was designed and data regarding five years back record, recent information on collection in the beginning of summer season and at the end of summer season was investigated and asked about the total quantity of morels (Species wise) collected from the study area. The local people use traditional techniques of collection, drying, storing and packing which have diverted the attention of consumers but still it possess a high annual marketable growth i.e. 81,20,000 rupees. The measures recommended for scientific management of morels collection, drying and marketing include, education of the local community for conservation and management morels, old nor too young but healthy and mature morels should be harvested, drying and collection of morels species should be free from michorobial and insects infestation, during collection the plastic bags should be avoided and fresh healthy morels should be dried by using modern techniques like drying in air dried oven at 105±oC, vacuum dried oven at 105±oC and 20 atmospheric pressure etc. If the modern techniques are not available then the hanging threads should be placed in a clean and well aerated spot for proper de-moisturization and re-examination of the dried morels is must before packing.
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March 2015
Vol. 65, Iss. 1
