Snowfall affects collection of yarsagumba in Manang

Manang / May 27: The collection of yarsagumba known as Cordyceps Sinensis is affected after a snowfall in the Manang district. With the snowfall in the region, the collectors have returned for failing to collect yarsagumba.

Milan Tamang, a collector from Dhading district, said they are now back towards the lowland after a snowfall in Bhatrang hill.

Likewise, Yekka Tamang, 46, of Dhading shared that the collectors have returned to Chame after a food shortage and faced hardships in the highland while staying there for almost one and half months.

The collectors shared that a contractor has hired them to collect yarsagumba and are paid Rs 400 per piece. Generally, March to the first week of June is considered an appropriate time for yarsagumba collection in the highlands of the Manang district. The medicinal herb is collected through organisation after submitting the approval letter given in the last fiscal year.

The collectors have said they plan to return to the highlands by taking foodstuffs once the snowfall is over.

The collection of yarsagumba, the medicinal herb, is also one of the key income sources for the people in Manang.

Earlier on April 6, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Area Office in Manang had decided to issue an approval for the collection of yarsagumba through a committee.

For the local people from Manang, approval for yarsagumba collection is issued by submitting their citizenship or other official documents in case they have migrated from Manang. RSS