KATHMANDU: Despite Nepal’s rich biodiversity and abundant herbal resources, significant efforts are still required to harness indigenous herbs and translate their potential into meaningful economic gains.
At a time when the country aspires for economic prosperity, experts and entrepreneurs in the plant and herbal sector suggest that branding herbs and ensuring quality exports—particularly as raw materials for Ayurvedic hospitals and pharmaceutical industries—could be a promising avenue for growth.
According to the Department of Plant Resources, a total of 819 species of herbs have been identified in Nepal. Of these, 33 species have been prioritized for economic development. Around 120 species are currently under cultivation, while fragrance oils can be produced from more than 200 species. Herbs worth Rs 2.4 billion were exported in the last fiscal year, according to the Trade and Export Promotion Centre.
On average, herbs worth Rs 1.24 billion are exported annually.
Director General of the Department, Sanjeev Kumar Rai, said that around 90 percent of herbs are exported in raw form. He stressed that the herbal sector could become a strong driver of economic growth through structural strengthening, innovative technology, research, and public-private collaboration.
He further noted that a strong foundation for prosperity could be built if medicinal products were produced domestically by processing herbs within the country.
Meanwhile, the Herbs Production and Processing Company Limited has been producing essential oils and herbal products such as palmarosa, lemongrass, citronella, and mentha. Its products—including “Sancho,” “Himalayan Massage Oil,” and “Shilajit Paste”—are available in the market.
The Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal has pointed to legal hurdles as a major obstacle to the adequate production and transportation of herbs. Federation Chairperson Thakur Prasad Bhandari emphasized that the herbal sector could make a significant contribution to economic development if supported through grants, facilitation, and improved market management.
Plant expert Nabin Joshi said the country could generate substantial income through the processing and branding of herbal products.
Similarly, President of the Nepalese Chamber of Commerce, Kamalesh Kumar Agrawal, stated that the herbal sector could serve as a foundation for industrial production and exports, adding that Nepal could move toward greater prosperity through expanded herbal trade.
(By Pragati Dhakal/RSS)
Comment