Bhutan exported more than 600 kilograms of Cordyceps last year. However with the number of people harvesting Cordyceps increasing every year, concerns are being raised about sustainability. Questions are also being asked about the methods of harvesting.

Experts from Bhutan, India, China and Nepal attended a conference on Cordyceps management and marketing in Bumthang. The conference ended today.

During the conference, the Agriculture Minister Lyonpo Dr. Pema Gyamtsho stressed the importance of cooperation among the countries in the region to conserve the natural resources.

The Director of Department of Forest, Karma Dukpa said the conference was organized to share information, enhance transparency, facilitate marketing and explore the market.

Last year Bhutan exported 673 kilograms of Cordyceps, most of them to Hongkong.

Participants expressed concern over the increasing number of people harvesting Cordyceps. They said if sustainable harvesting methods are not adopted, Cordyceps will be wiped out in one day.

A WWF official there is a need to regulate and monitor the extraction and trade of wild species.

Another participant said since very little is known about Cordyceps and the conference would help them formulate legislation to ensure its sustainability. Source: BBS