Four percent of the GDP is obtained from the export of (Non-Timber Forest Products) NTFPs annually. About 80% of the Nepalese depend on 600 NTFP species for subsistence, both economically and for nutrition. A total of 701 species of medicinal plants have been reported from Nepal. The aphrodisiac yarshaghumba, bodibrikshya, lemon grass, mentha, palmarosa, allo, chiraito, jatamasi, lokta, satuwa, sughandhawal, timur, alaichi etc. are economically important NTFPs. The identification of the taxol which is used in cancer treatment from Lauth Salla has resulted in the establishment of many pharmaceutical industries. The MWDR (Midwestern Development Region) produces the maximum quantity (more than 40%) of NTFPs.

Rudrakshyas are considered expensive. These are mostly exported to China and India. Rudrakshya by its name is known as tears of the rudra (i.e.Lord Shiva) and is considered holy with religious importance. Moreover, due to its numerous heath benefit like treatment of skin diseases, blood pressure management, pain reliever, measles, controlling of biles etc., they are used as medicine in China. The sale of rudrakshya from Bhojpur and Sankhuwasabha has become a great source of income for people here.

However, the beads of rudrakshya from the past few years have a deserted look. Due to big and high quality, the seeds of rudrakshyas of Indonesia fetch more price and benefits; Nepalese traders are motivated to buy these beads to sell in the Chinese market.

Though Nepal is a potential site for the production of rudrakshya, their sales these days are diminishing due to low supply of quality seeds and technical support, premature harvesting, lack of value addiction and processing, lack of certification, limited testing laboratories, inequitable market access of marginalized population, more importance to protected medicinal plants etc, .

Due attention should be given to the implementation of effective policy and strategic plan, better information on resource availability, sustainable management, processing and value addition, publicity, proper marketing, good governance, research and development, conservation, sustainable harvesting, simplification of tax system, awareness raising, skill development and support to commercial development. The GoN has to work out as a facilitator and catalyst for its promotion.