Yarsagumba exports fall by 72%

Nepal’s Yarsagumba exports have seen a significant decline of 72% compared to the same period last fiscal year. According to the Department of Customs, exports fell from 1,169 kg worth Rs 584.15 million in mid-January 2024 to just 420 kg worth Rs 163.36 million in mid-January 2025.

The rare Himalayan herb, exported to countries including Hong Kong, Singapore, the US, China, and South Korea, is facing a drop in production. Collectors and traders report that availability has drastically decreased in recent years. Raj Bahadur Budha, a collector from Dolpa, shared that the herb is now much harder to find than before, with collectors struggling to gather even a fraction of the amount they used to.

Despite the current slump, exports had shown consistent growth from fiscal year 2020/21 to 2023/24. Yarsagumba, known for its medicinal value, grows in the highlands of 25 districts across Nepal, providing economic benefits, especially to marginalized communities in the region.

Yarsagumba is used in the treatment of various health conditions, including energy enhancement, anemia, lung infections, and liver diseases. While China remains the largest market for the herb, Nepal stands as the second-largest supplier globally.