Srinagar, May 8: The famed morel mushroom, also known as ‘Kanegeich’ in Kashmir, is facing the consequences of habitat destruction, leading to a decline in its extraction each year.
Despite being a rare find in the valley and unable to be commercially cultivated, this prized vegetable grows wild in select forest regions.
However, escalating habitat destruction and rapid urbanization are diminishing the availability of these sought-after mushrooms annually.
An official of the Forest Department explained there has been frequent disturbance in the natural eco-system of J&K in the last few years.
“Guchchi mushrooms usually grow in clusters on logs of decaying wood or decaying leaves and even in humus soil. They may or may not grow in the same spot the next season and they are notoriously unpredictable as they may show up anywhere,” he said.
However, the extractions have been vacillating due to various anthropogenic activities, as per the official.
“This can be attributed to various reasons like rampant constructions, illegal encroachments, increasing forest fires and overgrazing in the forest areas,” he said.
Mohammad Tahir, a researcher who has worked extensively on the morels said, “It is believed that morels share a deep relationship with the roots of Deodar and Pine trees. They tend to grow in their vicinity. With the unchecked deforestation going around, the connection seems to have lost.”
He said that the mushrooming is a natural occurrence on Himalayan mountain tops that should place ideally in the months of March and April.
“Since this is the right time when the moisture level is the most ideal for any fungi to flourish. However, due to climate change and habitat destruction, the harvesting seasons have shifted to early winter.”
The researcher also termed that due to modern lifestyle, the mushroom collectors which were mostly women and children have dwindled over the years.
“They no longer feel inclined towards the mushroom picking, which demands a sharp sight and close attention to the ground and yet there’s always a possibility that they may miss them. If only the government showed some concern towards this prized crop and incentivized the collectors, this wouldn’t happen,” he said.
