Originally published February 5 2006
Nepal's economy looks bright thanks to medicinal and aromatic plants
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The Rising Nepal details the outlook for economic production in the new year, and the industry growing up around the harvesting of medicinal plants and herbs shows tremendous growth potential, given the rise of alternative and complementary medicine over the recent years.
The prospective of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) has increased as popular and alternative medicine, ayurvedic drugs, herbal remedies etc.
MAPs are studied as a means of supportive livelihood options to the local collectors, traders, farmers and good earning opportunities for processors and entrepreneurs.
In their study on Marketing Opportunities for Medicinal, Aromatic, and Dye Plants in South Asia, Mr.
A. Nagpal and M. Karki have concluded that a non-institutionalized, individual, family or tribal use of medicinal plants passed dawn from generation to generation and it has been the oldest form of medical therapy in most countries.
In our case the richest area for MAPs is northern hilly range of the country particularly Karnali Pradesh.
Although Nepal is highly competitive in production of most NTFPs, the production is largely based on collection rather than cultivation.
Many high-value NTFPs are found in the wild and little is known about their biology and cultivation techniques.
Therefore, there has been a need for sufficient comprehensive policy backing and compliance on either domestication or systematic harvesting mechanism.
Most of the initiatives for domesticating of NTFP are coming from the private sectors, probably to secure its long-term supplies to markets.
At the mean time, Medicinal and Non Timber Forest Product Development Policy 2005 and its action plan could be a milestone for policy guidance.
Many people involved in the harvesting have limited knowledge about various valuable species; and local people have been practicing need based harvesting system.
When money is needed, they collect and sell to the local traders even the species are too young to harvest.
Some practical observation shows that there is a threat of indiscriminate harvesting; over exploitation of the species; very poor collection method; and almost zero level of post harvest preservation.
Private institutions, NGO, Donor and Community sector's collaborative efforts are a must for the development and promotion of MAPs.
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