Milky mushrooms, also called "white vegetables" or "boneless vegetarian meat," are rich in proteins, vitamins, and fibre, offering significant nutritional and medicinal benefits. Cultivated in over 100 countries, they serve as a source of income for small-scale farmers, promoting rural development and poverty alleviation. Milky mushrooms (Calocybe indica), ideal for tropical climates with temperatures of 30-35°C, are particularly advantageous due to their extended shelf life, resistance to contamination, low production costs, and high biological efficiency. Discovered in Tamil Nadu, this species thrives in organic-rich substrates and has been successfully adapted for commercial cultivation. With a robust nutritional profile and bioactive compounds, milky mushrooms exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and antioxidant properties, garnering attention for their potential in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. Economically, they offer sustainable yields, simple cultivation techniques, and growing market demand, presenting a lucrative opportunity for small-scale growers in India.
Distribution, Habitat and ecology, Agricultural significance, Economics of production
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