Tibetans Alarmed as Artificial Yartza Fungus Trade Threatens Livelihood and Market Integrity

Tibetans in Tibet are raising serious concerns over the growing trade of artificially cultivated Yartza Gunbu (caterpillar fungus) by Chinese sellers using Tibetan pseudonyms, according to Tibet Times reports. The counterfeit trade threatens the traditional income source of many Tibetan pastoralists and nomads, especially during the May-June harvest season. Despite factory-produced fungi being legally registered in cities like Xining and Guangdong, Tibetans say such products must be clearly labeled and not falsely marketed as wild Tibetan Yartza. Meanwhile, genuine Tibetan traders face tighter restrictions, censorship, and legal penalties, exposing a stark imbalance in treatment by Chinese authorities.