Lamjung, June 17

Yarsagumba collectors looked very dejected after they could not collect as much of the herb as they expected to in Manang.

Locals of Manang thronged the high hilly areas to collect the medicinal herb. However, they were not excited with the yarsa collection this year as it was insignificant compared to the past years.

Yarsa is collected from more than 20 areas of Manang. Locals of Dhading, Gorkha, Lamjung and Manang had reached the highlands for yarsa collection. However,they returned home empty-handed.

Locals had expected to collect more yarsa this year because of timely snowfall. They added high quality yarsa could not be found.

Conservation Area Management Committee formed by Annapurna Conservation Area Project, Manang has charged them Rs 20,000 royalty.

Local entrepreneurs have taken the responsibility of yarsa collection via tender process. Yarsa collectors from different places reach the highlands to collect yarsa as per the law. The entrepreneurs buy yarsha from the collectors. According to entrepreneurs, one kg yarsha costs around Rs 11 lakh to 16 lakh.