Essential oil from Ilam exported to France

ILAM: Herbal extracts and essential oils produced in Ilam are being exported abroad.

The essential oil manufacturing plant, operated by Nitya Raj Dahal at Maijogmai Rural Municipality, has been exporting its products internationally.

The factory, established 13 years ago, began exporting herbs and essential oils last year. According to Dahal, the products are primarily shipped to France.

“Our factory produces essential oils from locally grown herbs such as mugwort, black juniper, mint, and dhasingre (wintergreen). Currently, we only export extracts from mugwort, cypress, and mint,” he said.

Dahal also mentioned that they are planning to begin extracting essential oils from other plants in the near future, including geranium, wild marigold (black mint), and rosemary.

“The demand for Nepali natural herbal products has grown among foreign customers, and we are producing these oils according to their preferences,” he added.

As an Osho follower, Dahal noted that many foreigners who visit his place for meditation purchase his products to take back home. “Initially, foreigners were not very interested in our products, but after educating them about their value, they began to appreciate them. The recent increase in sales has been encouraging,” he shared.

The price of essential oil extracted from black juniper is Rs 2,500 per kilogram, mugwort oil is sold for Rs 6,000 per kilogram, mint oil for Rs 7,000, and wintergreen oil for Rs 7,000 per kilogram.

Dahal cultivates a variety of herbs on 35 ropanis of land and also purchases herbs from local farmers.

Local resident Keshav Dahal remarked that commercial production has been successfully initiated in the village, utilizing previously unused land.