Ramechhap could be an important place for extraction of Argeli (Edgeworthia gardneri), a plant material used to make Yen, the Japanese currency.

Industrial cultivation of Argeli that mostly occurs in altitudinal range of 1500 metres to 3000 metres has not yet been initiated in Ramechhap. These, however, occur abundantly in forests of Doramba, Goshwara, Duduwa, Namadi, Chuchure, Betali and other VDCs of the district.

Tanka Khadka, a local expert said that despite many farmers being attracted to cultivate Argeli only Pasang Sherpa has so far been successful. “Economic and technical constraints have kept farmers from industrial cultivation,” explains Khadka.

Besides Ramechhap, this precious non-timber forest product is also found in Dolakha, Kavre, Terhathum, Sankhuwasabha, Panchthar, Lalitpur, Myagdi, Nuwakot, Parbat and Solukhumbu districts.

Experts say it has been only 5-6 years since collection of Argeli from more than 20 districts and its export to Japan started. Argeli also known as Japanese lokta, can also be used in postage stamps, paper and textile production.