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?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

UPSC Civil Services Exam Official 2022 Prelims General Studies held on 5th June

Answer 1

The correct answer is 1 and 2.

Key Points

Morel Mushrooms are commonly called Gucchi mushrooms in the Himalayan region and are prized for their spongy, honeycomb texture, and unique flavor.
The scientific name of the Gucchi mushroom is Morchella Esculenta and belongs to a class of fungi. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The Gucchi mushroom is an expensive and exclusive ingredient that grows wild on the foothills of the Himalayas. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Jammu-based NGO Border World Foundation has filled the GI tag application for Gucchi mushroom at the Geographical Indication Registry recently.
It is facilitated by the Director of Agriculture, Jammu & Kashmir.
Jammu & Kashmir already have GI tags for Saffron.
Gucchi mushrooms cannot be cultivated commercially and instead they grow wild only in some regions like the Kangara Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, Manali and other parts of Himachal Pradesh after the snowfall period. Hence, statement, 3 is not correct.

gucchi