What is Gucchi?

Gucchi or Morel is one of the world’s costliest mushrooms grown in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district. It is a forest produce collected by local farmers and tribals. This edible fungus is said to have medicinal and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently geographical indication (GI) tag application for this mushroom was filed at the Geographical Indication Registry in a bid to boost commercial interest for this rare crop and help community who are dependent on it for their livelihoods.