Q. 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?
a) 1 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 2
d) 2 and 3
Correct Answer: c) 1 and 2
Question from UPSC Prelims 2022 GS Paper
Explanation :
Gucchi (Morel Mushrooms)
Gucchi, also known as morel mushrooms (Morchella esculenta), is indeed a type of fungus that is highly prized for its culinary uses, particularly in gourmet cooking. The statements provided can be assessed as follows:
Assessment of Statements About Gucchi
1. It is a fungus. – This statement is correct. Gucchi refers to a species of wild edible fungus known for its distinctive honeycomb-like appearance.
2. It grows in some Himalayan Forest areas. – This statement is also correct. Morel mushrooms, including Gucchi, are known to grow in the wild in forested areas of the Himalayas, particularly in regions with temperate climates. They are usually found at altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level and are often harvested in the spring season after snowfall.
3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India. – This statement is incorrect. As of my knowledge cutoff date in 2023, Gucchi mushrooms are not typically commercially cultivated on a large scale due to the difficulty in replicating their specific growing conditions. They are primarily foraged from the wild, which contributes to their rarity and high price. While there have been some attempts at cultivation, it is not a widespread commercial practice, especially not specifically in the Himalayan foothills of northeastern India.
Therefore, the correct answer is that statements 1 and 2 are correct, making the correct choice “1 and 2“.
