Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today congratulated Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology–Kashmir for successfully cultivating the rare and highly prized Morel mushroom under controlled conditions for the first time, terming it a landmark achievement for science and rural livelihoods in the union Territory.
In a major breakthrough in agricultural research, SKUAST-K has standardised the cultivation technology of Morchella, popularly known as Gucchi, overcoming a challenge that has puzzled the global scientific community for decades.
Gucchi is among the most expensive edible mushrooms, fetching between Rs 15,000 and Rs 40,000 per kilogram. Traditionally found in high-altitude forests during a brief seasonal window, its availability has largely depended on natural growth, limiting scope for large-scale production.
Praising the achievement, Abdullah said the milestone reflects scientific excellence and innovation, and will significantly boost the region’s agri-economy while enhancing its position in the global agricultural and research landscape. He commended the researchers for their dedication, noting that such pioneering work holds immense potential for sustainable livelihood generation in rural areas.
Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai had described the development as a “game-changing breakthrough,” stating that it marks a shift from uncertain wild harvesting to a reliable, scalable and scientifically managed production system, opening new avenues for both research and income generation for local communities.
