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J&K Govt pushes for Geographical Indication (GI) tagging for Doda Gucchi Mushroom

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 1/14/2021 12:29:43 PM

Y B News Jammu, Jan 13 Marking a new age of heirloom crops & products, Principal Secretary Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare, Navin Kumar Choudhary has taken a historical initiative by pushing for Geographical Indication of Doda Gucchi Mushroom. Great Mission Group Consultancy Pune has submitted the application through Adhik Kadam, Chairman of the Borderless World Foundation, facilitated by Department of Agriculture Production & FW, for its registration as Geographical Indication to the Registrar GI Registry Chennai. Prof Ganesh S Hingmire, Chairman of the Consultancy group presented the copy of GI application to Navin Choudhary, who lauded his efforts and also patted Dr. Sagar D. Doifode, Deputy Commissioner Doda, for his painstaking efforts in projecting Doda Gucchi Mushroom for a global niche. He added that Gucchi holds a special place among the costlier food items as an excellent and elite because of its high cost. Choudhary averred that Doda Gucchi Mushroom is one of the most popular, flavorful, medicinally beneficial mushroom species found in the nearby forest areas of the Doda. This Mushroom variety is among world’s costliest food items that grow wild and collected manually. The farming community in the district traditionally collects the Mushroom from forested areas through a well managed community approach. Locally known as “thunthoo”, it is a familiar commodity among natives spread in the entire areas of the district. Choudhary said that Geographical Indication shall prevent unauthorized use of a Registered Geographical Indication by others. It (Geographical Indications) will provide legal protection to Doda Gucchi Mushroom, which in turn will boost its exports, he added.