The government is gearing up to introduce new guidelines that will restrict individuals to collecting Yarsagumba only once a year.
The Ministry of Forests and Environment is taking the initiative to organize the “Yarsagumba Management (Collection and Transportation) Guideline, 2080 BS” within national forests, reserves, conservation areas, and intermediate regions of the Himalayan region. The ministry has solicited feedback and suggestions on the draft of these proposed guidelines.
According to the draft guidelines, individuals must be over 16 years of age to engage in Yarsagumba collection. Anyone, whether an individual, firm, or company, seeking to transport Yarsagumba must submit a formal application to the relevant office.
Upon receiving an application, the custodian, chief, or council chairman will assess the quantity of Yarsagumba collected in accordance with Section 3(2) and levy the appropriate fee as per the existing regulations. Subsequently, permission will be granted to the concerned party for the transportation of Yarsagumba.
The collection period will be limited to a maximum of 30 days, with an option to extend the deadline for an additional 15 days, if necessary. Yarsagumba collection will only be permitted during the Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May) to Asar (mid-June to mid-July) months each year.
To ensure the preservation of the collection area’s integrity, no one may set up tents or temporary structures without written permission from the custodian, chief, or council President. Additionally, the use or transportation of plastic materials below 40 microns is strictly prohibited, and only specified tools may be used during the collection process. Littering, lighting fires, and digging holes in the area are also prohibited under the new guidelines.
These guidelines aim to simplify and regulate the conservation, collection, and utilization of Yarsagumba, a valuable herb found in the Himalayan region.
