Herbs worth over Rs 700 million exported via Nepalgunj border checkpoint

KHAJURA (BANKE), May 5:  Herbs worth more than Rs 700 million have been exported from Nepalganj, the main gateway for herb exports, during the first nine months of the current fiscal year.

Tank Prasad Sharma, President of the Nepal Herb Traders Association, stated that despite the difficulties faced in exporting from both internal and external sectors, traders managed to export over Rs 700 million worth of herbs during the review period. Chairman Sharma mentioned that due to India’s complicated processes regarding Nepali herbs and the Nepali government’s unclear policy, herb exports have been decreasing every year. However, there are signs of an increase from this year onwards.

According to the Nepalgunj Customs Office, from mid-July to mid-March of 2023/24, 2,805,839 kilograms of various herbs worth Rs 700,961,000 were exported from this border checkpoint. Nepalgunj serves as a major transit point for storing and exporting herbs produced in hilly districts, including Karnali Province. Herbs such as Red Pepper,  Soapnuts, and Cassia are primarily exported through this channel.

The Nepal Herb Traders Association reports that these herbs, used in ingredients for medicines, soaps, and shampoos, are not only exported to India but also to third countries such as Germany and Bangladesh.

Similarly, Red Pepper, Soapnuts and Cassia found in the hilly districts of Karnali Province, are purchased by businessmen and exported abroad. However, herbal traders have faced various difficulties during the export process in recent years, making it increasingly challenging, according to Sharma, the president of the herbal traders association.