Cordyceps: low yield, high price
The cordyceps business has been in full swing in Bhutan currently. Bhutanese citizens, who prioritised cordyceps over local government elections, have returned with their dream plants to fetch the best prices. The enthusiasts were not shattered with their dream despite low yield this year, the prices have almost doubled.
Each Kg is now sold as high was Nu 420,000 this year compared to Nu 290,000 last year. Collection give good yield only once in three years as it takes three years for caterpillar to grow into the fungus.
Bhutan government and the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI), as discussed during the two-day consultation in March this year, have loosened the auction loop. Contrary to past years, from this year, people have right to sell the products without going to auction houses to see the price tag.
Cordycepts markets opened in Choekhor and Tang gewogs under Bumthang Dzongkhag on 1 July. Similarly sales for Lingzhi and Naro gewogs, under Thimphu Dzongkhag, begun on 18 July at Dodena. Lunana gewog in Tashithang organise the sells today while Laya gewog in Damji will host the sells tomorrow (July 21) and Soe gewog on July 22.
According to Mr. Leki, a Forest Ranger in Lingzhi Range Office, ‘With the collection from two gewogs last year they could produce around 60-70kg of cordyceps but this year it hardly exceeded up to 20kg’.
The Department of Forests and Park Services charges royalty for the buyers at Nu.7000/- per kg.
However, cancelling auction system did not give enough benefits to sellers. The sellers have to wait for days as buyers look for discount on prices. Sellers can wait for any days if it is in Thimphu, but in the case of business at Gasa and other places where there are no accommodation facilities, it may be trouble for them to hold for a longer period.
The duration for the buying and selling of the cordyceps is for three months, starting from 1 July-30 September 2011.
Cordyceps are major source of income for people living in Himalayan region. The fungus has received good market response since last decade and troupes of villagers travelling to high mountains during early monsoon season are common scene these days. While the farming is impossible, the cordyceps have become the alternative source for income for livelihood for these people.