Pro-royalists attack herbal company: Major damage caused

KATHMANDU: An indigenous government-owned herbal production and processing company, established in 1981, came under attack by pro-royalists last Friday, resulting in significant damage.

The company, which operates under the ownership of the Nepal government, has been a crucial player in the country’s herbal industry.

Its operations were severely impacted by the recent assault, according to reports from the company’s executive director, Sangita Yadav.

Founded in 2038 BS (1981 AD), the company has been involved in collecting medicinal and aromatic herbs from various geographical regions of Nepal, processing them scientifically, and supplying raw materials to domestic industries.

In addition to its local contributions, it has also exported products to foreign markets, generating employment and contributing to the nation’s economy.

The company has been an important contributor to Nepal’s national revenue.

However, during the recent attack, significant damage occurred as assailants set fire to two buildings and damaged vehicles.

The company’s ability to produce goods has been severely hindered as a result of the damage. Executive Director Yadav confirmed, “Two buildings were burned down, and vehicles were set on fire. We are currently unable to operate.”

According to Yadav, the fire completely destroyed the factory plant. The buildings, which had been constructed just two years ago with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facilities, were targeted by the attackers, who not only caused destruction but also set fire to the premises.

As a result, all the raw materials used in medicine production, plastic and glass packaging, various packaging materials, the automation plant, machinery, equipment, furniture, and crucial documents were destroyed.

For the past 42 years, the company has been buying and selling raw herbs and cultivating seeds to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical industry in Nepal. It has also worked to utilize the country’s existing botanical resources to produce herbal care products.

Among the company’s major products are “Sancho” (herbal remedy), Himalayan Massage Oil, Shilajit Paste, Citronella Oil, and Lemongrass Oil.

The company has also been addressing market demands. For a long time, “Sancho” was sold in 5ml bottles in the Nepali market.

However, from the fiscal year 2080/81, the company increased the size to 10ml bottles to meet growing demand. The company’s central office had prioritized upgrading the production of Sancho by modernizing the filling and packaging processes.

Sancho, known for its efficacy in treating common ailments such as joint pain, fever, cold, sore throat, and nasal congestion, has been a trusted remedy for many Nepali citizens.

Previously, Sancho was filled and packaged using traditional hand methods, but with advancements in technology, the company was preparing to introduce automated machinery and modern facilities to enhance production.

Unfortunately, just as the company was making strides towards modernizing its operations, the attack destroyed the very infrastructure it had invested in.

This devastating blow has put a temporary halt to the company’s progress.