SKUAST-Kashmir achieves first controlled cultivation of high-value Morchella mushrooms

Key facts

• Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) in Srinagar has successfully cultivated Morchella mushrooms in controlled conditions for the first time.
• Morchella, locally called Kangaech, naturally grows in high-elevation forest ecosystems and commands market prices between Rs 15,000 and Rs 40,000 per kilogram.
• The breakthrough was achieved independently by Prof Tariq Ahmad Sofi, his student Kamran Muneer from the Faculty of Horticulture, and Prof Vikas Gupta from the Faculty of Agriculture.
• Researchers collected wild Morchella from over 1,000 locations, shortlisted 10 strains, and have achieved fruiting in three strains under controlled systems.
• Cultivation trials have been conducted in polyhouse and open conditions across microclimatic zones of Baramulla, Anantnag, and Srinagar districts.
• The team has applied for a patent for the controlled cultivation technology.
• Controlled Morchella cultivation is expected to boost farm incomes and support high-value bioeconomy development in Jammu and Kashmir.