Yar Tsa Gunbu [Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) G.H. Sung et al.]: the Issue of its Sustainability

Any resource of immense value and key relevance to rural livelihood as the main cash source, invariably runs the risk of being overexploited, more so when it remains a common property resource. The current harvest pressure on caterpillar fungus, Yar tsa Gunbu (Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) G.H. Sung et al.) serves, as a prime example. The ever-increasing demand for the commodity in the international markets and concomitantly its ever-increasing price, hovering at present at US$ 20,000 per kg, have resulted in not just its rampant exploitation, but also in the degradation of the very habitat, thus endangering its future. The present study conducted across nine broad landscapes in 110 villages and 2511 harvesters within Pithoragarh district, Central Himalaya, highlights the socio-economic changes brought forth by the harvesting of the 'green gold' and discusses the prospects of future availability of the species. The study also provides suggestions for evolving sound mechanisms to lessen the pressure on the species.