#news #Nepal #Gorkha
Residents of Yarsagumba in Chekampar village municipality-7 of Gorkha district are preparing to head to the high-altitude meadow to collect Yarsagumba, a prized medicinal herb. With the onset of the approaching season, locals have begun gathering to embark on the journey towards the meadow, as shared by local resident Chiring Funjo Lama.
Representative Ramesh Khatri from Kansai Nepal News expressed his opinion on this development, stating, “The residents seem to be divided between those ready to harvest and those still preparing. The changing weather conditions have been a cause of concern.” Yarsagumba, known for its high quality, can be found in the lakes of Chekampar-1 and Ward No. 7 of the village municipality.
Considered a significant source of income for the northern residents of Gorkha, Yarsagumba can also be found in the lakes of Ward No. 3 of ChumnuBri village and Ward No. 3 of Dharche village municipality. The current chairman Pasang Funjo Lama mentioned that residents have been heading towards the meadow to collect Yarsagumba since the beginning of the month of Baisakh.
After the collection, locals usually return home around the month of Asar, carrying provisions like food, water, and warm clothing to sustain themselves for approximately two and a half months. As the Yarsagumba season commences, most families lock their homes and take their livestock to the meadows for grazing.
Furthermore, temporary camps are set up in the meadows, where even children are brought along to partake in the collection process. Elderly members unable to travel to the meadows are often left at home, with younger family members ensuring their well-being. The main source of income for the residents here is the sale of Yarsagumba, earning them anywhere between two to four lakhs Nepalese Rupees.
Chiring Funjo mentioned, “The lower altitudes have become infested with pests, making it challenging to find Yarsagumba. With each passing year, the situation seems to be worsening.” To facilitate the Yarsagumba collection, each household contributes Rs. 500 to the local committee and Rs. 500 to the municipality.
In response to the news, Ramesh Khatri from Kansai Nepal News stated, “The tradition of Yarsagumba collection is deeply ingrained in the local culture and economy of Gorkha. It is imperative to balance the economic benefits with sustainable harvesting practices to ensure the preservation of this valuable resource for future generations.”
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: May 1, 2025 7:03 pm
