April 29, Manang – The collection of the medicinal herb Yarsagumba has commenced in Manang. The harvesting began on Wednesday. Yad Ghale, chairman of the Conservation Area Management Committee and ward chairperson of Nason-8, stated that although Yarsagumba is found in many highland pastures (kharks) across the region, the collection has officially started from Namgya Lake located in Tachi of Nason Rural Municipality-8. “Harvesting has started from the nearest pasture where Yarsa grows. Collectors have reported a decline in production compared to previous years,” he said, “which appears to be an emerging concern.”
According to the Conservation Area Management Regulations of 1996 (2053 BS) and the Conservation Management Directives of 1999 (2056 BS), only after obtaining collection permission from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Area Conservation Office in line with the Yarsagumba and other medicinal herbs collection and trade directives of 2023 (2080 BS) and related laws, does the Conservation Management Committee issue collection passes to harvesters within its jurisdiction.
The ACAP Area Conservation Office in Manang, led by Dhakbahadur Bhujel, noted that all local levels within the district managing conservation forest areas are authorized to issue Yarsagumba collection permits. Harvesters from outside the district who are Nepali citizens must coordinate with the local Conservation Management Committee for permission. Entry to the pastures for collection is only allowed after official approval from the office. Harvesters from Lamjung, Gorkha, and Dhading districts also come to the pastures near Manang for collecting Yarsagumba.
Harvesting at Narpabhumi pasture is restricted exclusively to local residents of the district; no permissions are granted to individuals from outside districts. “Due to the geographically remote location and security challenges, collection permits at Narpabhumi pasture are not issued,” Bhujel explained. “However, permits have been provided for all pastures in other local levels such as Khangsar, Hulaki Odar, Pisang, and others.” It is expected that limiting harvesting permits to locals will enhance security at these sites. Only after the Conservation Area Management Committee, coordinated by the ACAP Area Office Manang, grants collection permissions can harvesters enter the pastures.
At Namgya pasture, collection permits are available to both locals and individuals coming from other districts. Deputy Chief District Officer Krishna Prasad Paudel reported that as the Yarsagumba season has started in the district, security arrangements have been tightened accordingly. – RASAS
