Abhinav Vashisht
Kullu, February 13
Farmers harvesting wild morel mushrooms, commonly known as “guchhi” in the region, may face disappointment this year as the plant growth is likely to be low because of dry winter.
According to a local belief, “guchhi” bursts from the ground during thunderstorms in the spring season. Experts say that moist and humid weather conditions during the winter boost the growth of this edible fungus. However, the valley has witnessed scanty snowfall and rainfall this year, which might affect the “guchhi” growth.
“Guchhi” cannot be grown, as it sprouts naturally in shady forest floors, orchards, yards and meadows in the mid and lower Himalayan regions. This plant species is found in the upper reaches of Kullu, Mandi, Chamba, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts. “Guchhi” of this region is in high demand and this rare wild mushroom records business worth crores of rupees every year. Dried “guchhi” costs about Rs 8,000 per kg and provides a commercially productive alternative to farmers of higher areas in the state.
A food, usually known for a painstaking hunt for harvesting in the forests, ‘’guchhi’’ is a highly-priced delicacy in star category hotels across the world. Besides its delicious and exotic taste, experts say that it is also rich in proteins and other nutrients and is believed to be helpful in treating cancer. It is also used in many types of medicines.
Harvesters say that less rainfall and snow in the state will impact the quantity of “guchhi” this year. They add that the growth of “guchhi” has decreased in the past few decades due to climatic changes.
Amit Sood, an entrepreneur engaged in “guchhi” trading, says that the dry weather in January is likely to impact its production by about 15 per cent. He adds that if February also goes dry, “guchhi” production will decrease by about 40 per cent.
He says that eight to nine tonnes of “guchhi” grew in different valleys of the district from February to May about two decades ago but now its yield is about four to five tonnes.
Scientists, too, are worried about the decreasing quantity of the wild growth, which was found in abundance earlier. Scientists of GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development at Mohal, Kullu, are monitoring the growth of “guchhi” as well. They say that there is a dire need for research to conserve the wild mushroom that is being affected by climate changes.
The Link LonkFebruary 14, 2021 at 09:08AM
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/dry-winter-guchhi-yield-likely-to-be-low-212016
Dry winter, ‘guchhi’ yield likely to be low - The Tribune India
https://news.google.com/search?q=dry&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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