Gandaki Province Generates Rs. 1.135 Billion from Forest Produce and Medicinal Plants Over Seven Years

The Gandaki Provincial Government has successfully collected Rs. 1.135 billion in revenue over the past seven years from the sale of forest produce, medicinal plants, and herbs.

According to the Ministry of Forest and Environment, around 65,000 cubic feet of wood and 12,143 pieces of firewood have been sold from both national and private forests during this period. Additionally, 802,629 kg of medicinal plants and herbs have been harvested. Information Officer Rajesh Poudel mentioned that the collection of forest produce has created over 2.5 million labor-days of employment. Community forest user groups have significantly benefitted, earning millions of rupees annually from these activities.

The ministry has been collecting revenue through various sources such as wood, firewood, herbs, and contract sales. Poudel emphasized that expanding the commercial production of herbs and establishing industries based on forest products could further boost the income of local consumers.

Prem Lamichhane, a central member of the Community Forest Users Federation, highlighted the need for the state to focus on cultivating fruits and herbs in vacant lands within forest areas.

In other developments, the ministry has made strides in protecting and utilizing forest products, including implementing measures for the collection of firewood and determining the appropriate distance between forest-based industries and forest areas. Furthermore, forest encroachment has been controlled on 10.3 hectares, 4,250 wild animals have been rescued, and Rs. 96 million has been distributed to farmers who faced crop damage due to wild animals.