Another geographical indication (GI) tag is on its way after Tamil Nadu’s grape variant. Now it has been sought for the category of mushrooms which comes under the head “one of the costliest mushrooms in the world”. These mushrooms are grown Doda District of Jammu and Kashmir. These mushrooms are called Gucchi, or Morel by the local people. These mushrooms are priced at over Rs. 20,000 per kg, so now we know how expensive they. This variant is a forest produce being collected by local farmers and tribals. This is not for the first time that anything from the state of Jammu and Kashmir will be granted a GI Tag, a variant of saffron was also granted a GI tag in June of 2020. Doda Valley is famous for the cultivation of crops like Rajma beans, Gucchi mushrooms, and lavender plants. The climate of the valley is very much suitable for the growth of these crops. The mushrooms are collected every year in the month of March after the snow melts.
The application for seeking GI tag for these Gucchi mushrooms was filed at the Geographical Indication Registry recently. The organization which is responsible for such an application is the Jammu-based NGO which is known as the “Border World Foundation”. The application was facilitated by the Director of Agriculture of J&K.
The Gucchi mushrooms are spongy and edible fungus having a high value of medicinal and anti-inflammatory properties. Everyone, who is aware of this variant of mushrooms, cherishes Gucchi mushrooms for their extraordinary antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. They are also known to have high nutritional value as they are a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, and Vitamin B. They are found in the region of temperate forests of the Doda district. The applicants are hoping for the creation of a brand and commercial interest for this rare heirloom crop with the grant of a GI tag. Such branding and the creation of commercial interest would further help the tribal populace who are dependent on the cultivation of the Gucchi mushrooms for their livelihoods.
Intellectual property lawyer Ganesh Hingmire helped the NGO to initiate the application. He believes in the protection of the borders of India through the IP walls of GI tags. District Magistrate and Development Commissioner of Doda, Sagar Doifode said, “The process of filing the application had been in the works for a year. The GI recognition could help local farmers get higher prices for their efforts.”
If anyone is being skeptical of eating them or wondering how they are used in food or dishes then let me tell you that these exotic wild mushrooms are used in the preparations of pulaos and even served during celebratory occasions such as marriages, small functions, and whatnot. You can even find them on the gourmet menus of high-end restaurants. The Dum Pukht restaurant in ITC Maurya situated in New Delhi also offers Gucchi pulao at the rate of Rs. 2,500 excluding taxes. They are much of a thing of pride to our nation.
It is very interesting to note that the annual production of this variant of Gucchi mushroom is about 45 tonnes in the state of J&K. Primarily they are found in the forests and pastures of the Doda district but they also can be obtained from the high-altitude areas of Kupwara, Pahalgam, Shopian, Kishtwar, and Poonch. A few attempts have been made to cultivate them even on farms.
Navin Kumar Choudhary who is the Principal Secretary of Agriculture Production Department of J&K said in a statement that this GI tag will undoubtedly benefit local farmers who are trying to grow them on their farms.
Tags :
