Nepalganj, the primary hub for herb exports in Nepal, has witnessed a notable achievement as herb exports exceeded Rs 700 million during a nine-month period.
Despite facing various hurdles, the Nepal Herb Traders Association reports that from July to March of the current fiscal year, herb exports soared, surpassing the significant Rs 700 million mark.
Tank Prasad Sharma, President of the Nepal Herb Traders Association, attributes this success to the unwavering determination of traders in navigating obstacles both domestically and internationally.
Sharma sheds light on the complexities encountered in India’s herb import procedures and the ambiguous policies of the Nepali government, which have contributed to a decline in herb exports in recent years. However, he expresses optimism for a resurgence in exports beginning this year.
According to data from the Nepalgunj Customs Office, by the end of March 2023/24, a total of 2,805,839 kilograms of various herbs valued at Rs 700,961,000 had been exported, indicating a positive trajectory compared to the previous fiscal year.
Nepalgunj serves as a crucial transit point for storing and exporting herbs from hilly districts, particularly Karnali Province. Popular exports include Timmur (Zanthoxylum armatum), Ritha (Sapindus mukorossi), and Kaulo (Machilus odoratissima).
These herbs, utilized in the production of medicine, soap, and shampoo, are not only exported to India but also to third countries such as Germany and Bangladesh, as revealed by the Nepal Herb Traders Association.
Despite the demand for Nepali herbs, traders continue to encounter challenges throughout the export process, underscoring the need for concerted efforts to address these issues, concludes Sharma.
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