Keedajadi (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) Collection and Marketing: A Key Income Source of People in Goriganga Valley, Kumaun Himalaya, India

Natural resources are very important for human life, and their sustainable use is possible only through proper technological development. Man is not only the creator of resources on earth but also utilizes them. There is immense availability of natural resources in the Goriganga Valley in Kumaun Himalaya, where insecticide has emerged as a significant natural resource. Keedajadi (Ophiocordyceps Sinensis) is a natural insect fungus mainly found in the Bugyals (Alpine meadows) of high Himalayan regions at an altitude of 3000 m to 5000 meters above mean sea level. There are a total of 170 villages located in the Goriganga valley. There has been a positive change of 2.41% in the total population growth between the years 2001 and 2011. The average income is recorded at 56252 INR per person in 2022, and around 3425 people from 70 villages are engaged in the collection. Income has been utilized in various sectors, 53.06% in the higher education sector and 38.91% in house construction. Keywords: Keedajadi (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), Population, Income use, Goriganga valley.