The Gandaki Provincial Government has generated revenue amounting to Rs 1.135 billion from the sale of forest produce, medicinal plants, and herbs over the last seven years.
According to data from the Ministry of Forest and Environment, approximately 65,000 cubic feet of wood and 12,143 pieces of firewood have been sold from national and private forests during this period. Additionally, 802,629 kg of medicinal plants and herbs have been collected.
Employment and Community Benefits
Information Officer Rajesh Poudel stated that the collection of forest produce has created more than 2.5 million labor-days of employment. Community forest user groups earn millions of rupees annually through the production and collection of forest resources and herbs.
The ministry collects revenue from wood, firewood, herbs, and contract sales. Poudel mentioned that if the commercial production of herbs and forest-based industries were expanded, it would further boost consumer income.
Need for Expansion in Herbal Cultivation
Prem Lamichhane, a central member of the Community Forest Users Federation, emphasized the need to expand fruit and herb cultivation in unused forest land to increase productivity and revenue.
The ministry has undertaken various measures to protect and utilize forest resources. This includes regulating firewood collection and ensuring appropriate distances between forest-based industries and forest areas.
Conservation Efforts
During the seven-year period, 10.3 hectares of forest encroachment have been controlled, 4,250 wild animals have been rescued, and Rs 96 million has been distributed to farmers who suffered crop damage due to wild animals.
