Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 28: To brief about their recent discovery of a novel edible mushroom ‘Pleurotus Shentelii’, Professor Yash Pal Sharma, dean, faculty of Life Sciences and Syed Azhar Jawad Hashmi from the Department of Botany, University of Jammu today called on General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) at New Delhi.
This rare species, locally known as ‘Shentilli’ in the Sheena language, has been found to grow exclusively in the cold, arid Trans-Himalayan region of Drass and Mushkoh in Kargil, Ladakh.
During the meeting, the researchers highlighted the significance of the mushroom, not just as a scientific breakthrough, but also for its potential medicinal, wellness and nutritional benefits.
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) expressed his appreciation for the pioneering research and assured the University of Jammu team of the Army’s full support in advancing this initiative, recognizing its potential to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of troops and sustainable development in high-altitude regions.
This confluence of science, sustainability and national service marks a symbolic and functional advancement, showing how biodiversity can be harnessed not only for academic and ecological significance but also to serve the nation’s defenders.
Recognizing the valour of Indian soldiers who operate in some of the world’s harshest environments, the vice chancellor, University of Jammu deputed Prof Sharma and Hashmi to dedicate this scientific discovery to the Kargil Bravehearts on the eve of 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas.
The highly nutritious mushroom was discovered as part of a research project sanctioned to Prof Yash Pal Sharma by the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
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