Importance of medicinal plants of Nepal discussed

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Sept. 8: An experience exchange meeting of the organizations associated with Nepal Non-timber Forest Products was held on Friday in Kathmandu. At the meeting, organized by Asian Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources (ANSAB), the participants discussed on important medicinal plants of Nepal.

According to ANSAB, about 50 community forests of Salyan district paid Rs. 2.2 million as revenue last year for the selling of pine resin. If they could be refined the resin the revenue would have increased, it said.

At the meeting, one participated, raising the question of Rs. 500 royalty for one yarchagumba, said that the increase of royalty would only encourage more illegal trade of the plant. He said it would be better to levy royalty on yarchagumba according to weight than on pieces.

The meeting also said the local people, organizations and other should also be consulted while fixing royalties on products like herbs and medicinal plants. The meeting also said that a Centre needs to be formed to provide information and other technicalities related to non-timber products, their production, processing and uses. The meeting concluded by fixing the date for the next meeting on Mangsir 15 and the issues to be discussed at the international conference to be held in Chiangmai of Thailand.

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