*J&K Govt pushes for Geographical Indication (GI) tagging for Doda Gucchi Mushroom* _Principal Secretary Agriculture Deptt lauded efforts of DC Doda for taking initiative for GI tagging of Doda Gucchi Mushroom_

Doda,January 14: 

To promote the local antique/heritage crops & products, Principal Secretary Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare, Navin Kumar Choudhary has taken a historical initiative by pushing for Geographical Indication tagging of Doda Gucchi Mushroom. 

 

Pertinent to mention,that the Deputy Commissioner Doda initially took up the initiative and since last six-seven months was in constant touch with the expert’s of Great Mission Group Consultancy Pune which after intensive research 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.

 

Principal Secretary Agriculture Production Department Navin Kumar Choudhary, lauded the efforts of 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.

 

Principal Secretary 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.

 

Mr. 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. It will also promote economic prosperity of locals in the geographical territory as the farming community   follows the practice of collection of Gucchi in the district from the forest areas from generations together. They penetrate deep inside dense forests for its collection.

 

The DC said that GI tagging is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.

 

DC Doda extended gratitude to the J&K Govt and Principal Secretary Agriculture Department Sh Navin Kumar Choudhary for taking this initiative of geographical indication (GI) of Doda Gucchi Mushroom which will inturn promote the lical antique product not only at National level but also at global level.