MYAGDI: Yarsagumba collection has decreased in Myagdi district this year.

The district had exported a total of 23 kg of the prized herb, also called Himalayan Viagra, last season. But so far only seven kg has been collected, according to the District Forest Office.

The low collection has been attributed to rainfall as well as delayed melting of the snow, said acting District Forest Officer Ajaya Bikram Manandhar.

However, the collectors say that the new policy that makes every collector to make an identity card discouraged the yarsa collection. Furthermore, buyers have not reached the village due to the earthquake, said the herb entrepreneur Jhak Bahadur Chantyal.

The precious herb is collected from Gurja, Mudi, Lulang, Malkbang, Kuinemang, Chimkhola and Dana VDCs of the district.

Entrepreneurs have to pay Rs. 10,000 per kg as revenue to the local authority.