Yarsagumba collection begins in Mustang’s high pastures

KATHMANDU: The collection of Yarsagumba, a rare and valuable medicinal fungus, has officially begun in the highlands and alpine pastures of Mustang district.

Local Conservation Management Committees (CMCs) from Thasang-1 Tukuche, Thasang-2 Kobang, and Gharapjhong-4 Jomsom have granted permission for harvesting starting this month.

These permissions were issued following applications submitted by the committees to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), under the National Trust for Nature Conservation.

According to Rajesh Gupta, head of the ACAP office in Jomsom, the permits were granted under the regulations of the conservation guidelines, based on ACAP’s evaluation of the requests.

So far, three CMCs in Mustang have received official approval, with more committees expected to follow soon. Yarsagumba is typically found in the alpine regions of Thasang, Gharapjhong, and the Baragung Muktikshetra rural municipalities.

According to Jivan Thakali, Chairperson of the Kobang Conservation Management Committee, the collection in Kobang and Tukuche began in the first week of Baisakh (mid-April). The committee has set a fee of NPR 3,000 for local residents and NPR 6,000 for outsiders. To date, 122 individuals—22 locals and 100 from outside the district—have received collection permits. Areas such as Muli Kharka and Marchelek fall under Kobang’s jurisdiction for harvesting.

In Tukuche, the distribution of collection permits has also picked up pace.

As per Deepasagar Thakali, Secretary of the Tukuche CMC, permits have been issued since Baisakh 3, and over 55 collectors have already departed for the harvesting sites.

The Tukuche committee charges Rs 1,000 for locals and Rs 3,000 for outsiders.

Authorized collection zones include Marchelek, Bataslek, Chiyudokharka, and Dhampuslek.

In Gharapjhong Rural Municipality, Yarsagumba collection officially began on Monday. According to Pawan Gurung, Secretary of the Jomsom Conservation Management Committee, 40 permits were issued on the first day.

The fee for local residents with a registered ‘kuriya’ (herding group) is Rs 4,000, while for unregistered locals and outsiders, it is Rs 6,000. Permit distribution is expected to continue for a week.

Meanwhile, in Baragung Muktikshetra, Yarsagumba collection has not yet commenced. According to Lakpatshi Gurung, Secretary of the Muktinath Conservation Management Committee, the committee is yet to receive ACAP’s prior approval.

Snow accumulation in the high pastures has delayed the season, with collection likely to begin in the second week of Jestha.

Last year, permits were issued from Jestha 1, with fees set at NPR 2,000 for locals and NPR 7,000 for outsiders.

Several other alpine areas in Mustang also allow limited collection of Yarsagumba. The revenue generated through permit fees is allocated to local social development initiatives, as authorized by ACAP.

This year, ACAP has granted collection permission up to Asar 15.

To ensure safety and environmental conservation, ACAP, the Division Forest Office, CMCs, security forces, and local representatives will jointly monitor collection areas.

Collectors have been warned against illegal hunting, damaging natural habitats, starting forest fires, and littering in highland zones.