Why in the News?
- Scientists at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Srinagar successfully cultivated Morel mushrooms (Morchella) in controlled conditions for the first time.
- Considered a major scientific breakthrough due to the mushroom’s complex growth requirements.
About Morel Mushrooms (Morchella)
- Scientific name: Morchella
- Local name (Kashmir): Kangaech
- Type: Rare edible wild mushroom
- Habitat:
- High-elevation forests
- Appears during short rainy season
- Market Price: ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 per kg (one of the world’s most expensive mushrooms)
Why Morels Are Expensive
- Naturally grows in very specific environmental conditions
- Short harvesting window
- Difficult to locate in dense forests
- Labour-intensive collection
- High global demand in gourmet cuisine
Cultivation Methods Achieved
- Polyhouse cultivation (Controlled environment)
- Open-field cultivation (Natural conditions simulation)
| [2022] With reference to ‘Gucchi’ sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements: 1 It is a fungus. 2 It grows in some Himalayan forest areas. 3 It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 2 (d) 2 and 3 |
