Transporting herbs on foot turning profitable

By Our Correspondent,Humla, Jan. 11:Herbs businesses have started transporting herbs on foot from Humla district as it is cheaper compared to other modes of transport. As the district is not connected to the national road network yet, the air route is the only feasible mode of transport here.

Pema Angju Lama, a herb trader, decided to transport herbs out of Humla on foot this year by using mules. “It costs Rs. 35 per kilogram to bring herbs to Syaltadi from Ward No. 6 of Sarkegad Rural Municipality in Humla. From Syaltadi to Surkhet, it costs Rs. 12 per kilogram,” said Lama.

On the other hand, it costs Rs. 60 per kilogram to transport herbs to Surkhet from Humla by air. “Using aeroplanes was the only option for years. Now, there is a cheaper medium. The profit of Rs. 13 a kilogram is a lot,” said Lama.

Ram Bahadur Bhandari, chairman of the local Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said transporting herbs by air was always a struggle. “The struggle has now ended as traders have started opting for a different and cheaper mode of transport,” Bhandari added.

While the air route is the only mode of advanced transport to Humla, it is often affected by weather. “Forest Office has issued a collection permission for 500 quintals of Jatamasi from Humla district this year. Over 50 herb traders are exporting the herbs with permission from the district,” said Bhandari.