Yarsagumba collection season begins in Mugu’s Eastern highlands

KATHMANDU: The collection season for the highly valuable medicinal herb Yarsagumba has officially begun in the forest regions of Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality, located in the eastern highlands of the district.

According to the rural municipality, forest entry for Yarsagumba collection will be officially permitted from Jestha 13.

 Locals as well as collectors from outside the district are expected to flock to more than two dozen patan (highland pastures) in the area where Yarsagumba is found.

The municipality has fixed the forest entry fee at Rs. 2,000 per person for local residents and Rs. 2,500 for outsiders.

The local government has urged collectors to refrain from engaging in environmentally harmful activities during the collection period. “Disposal of plastic waste, cutting down trees, and stealing are strictly prohibited,” said Chairperson Tshering Kyapne Lama, adding that the municipality will closely monitor the collection process.

Yarsagumba is mainly found in Ward Nos. 1 and 2, including highland areas such as Rirmang, Thulo Koiki, Sano Koiki, Chapakhola, and Charkul among others.

Only collectors who have paid the designated fee will be allowed to enter the forest from the morning of Jestha 13.

Security Challenges in Remote Highlands

Despite the official schedule, many individuals have already entered the protected areas illegally to harvest Yarsagumba, creating significant security challenges for the local authorities.

Hundreds of people, both locals and outsiders, have reportedly entered the pastures during the night, breaching municipal regulations. In response, the rural municipality has held meetings with security agencies and stakeholders to enforce strict legal actions and penalties against violators.

Last year, the rural municipality collected Rs. 7.1 million in revenue from Yarsagumba collection. This year, it aims to exceed Rs. 8 million in revenue.

To ensure proper management, the municipality plans to implement a stricter permit system in coordination with Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and concerned stakeholders.

Locals have also raised concerns that the quantity of Yarsagumba has been declining in recent years, further intensifying challenges in its conservation and regulation.