MAPs distribution in the context of Nepal
In Nepal, MAPs can be found at elevations ranging from 100 to 5500 m (Bhattarai and Ghimire, 2006). The highest MAPs species richness was found in the middle of the gradient. The MAPs of trees and climbers are found to be optimal at 1000 m; shrubs are optimal at 2000 m; and herbaceous are optimal at 2500 m (Bhattarai and Ghimire, 2006). In terms of distribution pattern of NTFPs, Nepal’s tropical region (below 1,000 m) holds 49% of them, subtropical region (1,000-2,000 m) 54%, temperate region (2,000-3,000 m) 36%, sub-alpine region (3,000-4,000 m) 18%, and alpine region (above 4,000 m) holds 7% (Malla and Shakya, 1995). The following pie chart shows distribution according to different regions of Nepal.
Figure 1: Distribution of medicinal plants in different regions of Nepal
Source: (TEPC, 2018)
Figure 2: General trend of species diversity and commercial importance of NTFPs along the altitudinal gradient in Nepal
Source: (FAO, 2014)
Despite having low plant diversity, the commercial values of the NTFPs found in Nepal’s mountains (highlands) are the highest. For example, the price of Kurilo (Asparagus racemosus ) and Serpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina ) in the Terai regions is less than NRs. 500 per kilogram, whereas the price of Yarsagumba (Cordyceps sinensis ), Wild Morel (Mochella esculenta ), Jatamansi (Nardostachys grandiflora ), Panchaule (Dactylorhiza hatagirea ) etc. are many times higher than lowland species (FAO, 2014).
The Government of Nepal (GoN) has promulgated a Forest Policy, 2015 to minimize exploitation as well as to promote private sectors in the domestication and cultivation of MAPs in the natural environment. It has described 30 significant MAP species that will aid in the country’s economic growth (GoN, 2010).
Table 1: List of MAPs species identified for economic development
Source: (GoN, 2010, DoPR, 2009; MoFSC, 2012)
Government of Nepal (GoN) has prioritized 12 different MAP species for cultivation and research (DoF, 2015).
Table 2: Price of NTFP/Medicinal and Aromatic Plants for cultivation and research
Source: (DoF, 2015)
Government of Nepal (GoN) has categorized 237 NTFPs in 8 groups for royalty collection under the Schedule-3 of the Forest Regulation 1995.
Table 3: Categories of NTFPs for collecting royalty
Source: MoFSC, 2012
The GoN has also imposed restrictions on the export of 12 NTFPs species under section 77 of the Forest Act 2019.
Table 4: MAPs species protected in Nepal
Source: DoF, 2018
The most exported MAPs essential oils and crude herbs overseas from Nepal according to recent data of Trade Export and Promotion Centre (TEPC) is given below:
Table 5: Most exported MAPs essential oils and crude herbs overseas from Nepal
Source: (TEPC, 2018)
Nepal Herbs and Herbal Products Association (NEHHPA) has prepared the identification manual of 69 commercial MAPs along with pictures. The Table 6 gives general description of species.
Table 6: List of some commercial MAPs of Nepal
Source: (Gurung & Pyakurel, 2017)