RESEARCH ON THE DIFFERENT NAMING OF

NTFPS AND PREVAILING TAXATION SYSTEM OF

NTFPS TRADE

A REPORT SUBMITTED TO
ECOLOGY, AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
SOCIETY (ECARDS)
CHARIKOT, DOLAKHA
DECEMBER, 2006

SUBMITTED BY
Khilendra Gurung
December, 2006
 Table of Contents

1. Introduction 1
2. Objectives 1
3. Study Area 2
4. Study Methods 2
4.1 Interview with collectors and village level traders 2
4.2 Interview with Herbs and NTFPs wholesaler 2
4.3 Consultation with the relevant literatures 2
4.4 Consultation with District Forest Office (DFO)/
District Development Committee (DDC) 2
5. Findings 2
5.1 Different Naming of Major Traded Herbs and NTFPs 2
5.2 Royalty Rate of Traded Herbs and NTFPs 5
5.3 Taxation System 11
5.3.1 Procedures on Herbs and NTFPs Collection and Trade 11
5.3.2 Transportation of Herbs and NTFPs and Illegal Taxation 12
5.3.3 Taxation on Herbs and NTFPs Imposed by DDC 12
 Acronyms and Abbreviations

ANSAB: Asia Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources

CF: Community Forests
CFUGs: Community Forest User Groups
DDC: District Development Committee
DFO: District Forest Office
HMG/N: His Majesty's Government of Nepal
IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
MAPs: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
MoFSC: Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation
NRs: Nepali Rupees
NTFPs: Non-Timber Forest Products
Spp: Species
1. Introduction
Dolakha district with its peculiar convergence of topographic and climatic factors has
high plant diversity as well as unique ecosystem diversity. Variation in the topography
and land aspects harbors varieties of Herbs and Non-Timber Forest Products
(NTFPs). Herbs and NTFPs rendered from forest land comprises high-value
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs), fiber yielding plants, wild edible plants,
rattans, resin yielding plants, dye yielding plants, ornamental plants, tannin and gum
yielding plants etc.
MAPs much more than a source for traditional healthcare, contribute in important
ways to the livelihood and welfare of rural population by providing an alternate
source of income and employment. MAPs are commonly known as “Jadibuti” in
Nepal and have good reputation in the international market. Many of them are
exclusively found in the Himalayas and are by default organic.
Majority of the rural people residing in the remote areas of Dolakha district collect
and sell Herbs and NTFPs for their livelihood support. They have been collecting and
selling Herbs and NTFPs on the basis of the traditional knowledge that they acquire
from their ancestors. Accordingly they have been naming Herbs and NTFPs on the
basis of the local common languages. And those common languages may vary from
place to place. But these Herbs and NTFPs are traded in the market according to
their trading name. Thus the differences in the naming of Herbs and NTFPs have
created confusions and sometimes considerable hurdle in trade.
On the other hand, the taxation system or the royalty imposed by different authority
have hassled the Herbs and NTFPs traders.
In this context, ECARDS-Dolakha has conducted a research work to study different
naming of Herbs and NTFPs and their prevailing taxation system.

2. Objectives
The overall objective is to study the different naming of major Herbs and NTFPs and
the prevailing taxation system of NTFPs.
The specific objectives are as follows:
1. To identify the major trading Herbs and NTFPs of Dolakha district
2. To assess different naming of major traded Herbs and NTFPs of Dolakha
3. To study the taxation system of Herbs and NTFPs during the trade.
4. To recommend the trading names of major Herbs and NTFPs

3. Study Area
The study was conducted in major Herbs and NTFPs road head trading centres of
Dolakha. The study was focused in Singhati, a road head trading centre of Northern
Dolakha; Charikot, a district headquarter and Jiri, a road head trading centre of
Southern Dolakha.

4. Study Methods
The following methods were adopted during the study period:

4.1 Interview with collectors and village level traders

Both unstructured and semi-structured questionnaires were developed and the
interviews were taken with knowledgeable Herbs and NTFPs collectors and village
level traders regarding the local/common names of the major traded Herbs and
NTFPs of the area.
4.2 Interview with Herbs and NTFPs wholesaler
Both formal and informal interviews were taken with the wholesaler of Herbs and
NTFPs of Dolakha focusing on the trading names and taxation system of the Herbs
and NTFPs.

4.3 Consultation with the relevant literatures

Various literatures such as National Register of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of
Nepal published by IUCN; Medicinal Plants of Nepal by HMG/Nepal, Plants and
People of Nepal by N. P. Manandhar; Byaparma Raheka Kehi Mahattopurna
Gairhakaastha Ban Paidawar by ANSAB and Ban Niyamaawali, 2051 by HMG/Nepal
were consulted for the authenticity and validity of the collected information.

4.4 Consultation with District Forest Office (DFO)/District Development

Committee (DDC)
Consultation with DFO and DDC were done to obtain the royalty rate of the major
traded Herbs and NTFPs and taxation system for trading these NTFPs.

5. Findings
5.1 Different Naming of Major Traded Herbs and NTFPs
Altogether 63 major traded Herbs and NTFPs with more than two common/local
names were recorded on the basis of the interviews with collectors, road head
traders and wholesalers. The trading names were listed according to the authentic
literatures of the listed Herbs and NTFPs.

Table 1: Different naming of NTFPs with their trading names

SN Botanical Name Commom Name Trading Name
1 Achyranthes aspera Apamarga, Datiwan Apamarga
2 Ricinus communis Ander, Arandi Ander
3 Jatropha curcas Arim, Sajiwan, Arandi Sajiwan
4 Justicia adhatoda Asuro, Vasaka Asuro
5 Potentilla fulgens Bajradanti, Mulapate, Phosre Bajradanti
6 Fritillaria cirrhosa Kakoli, Banlasun Kakoli
7 Bambusa arundinacea Bansalochan, Kante bans Bansalochan
8 Cissampelos pareira Batulpate, Gurdeganu Batulpate
9 Rhododendron lepidotum Bhale Sunpati, Dhup, Bhale Sunpati
Shukdhukpa
10 Cannabis sativa Bhang, Ganja Bhang
11 Eclipta prostrata Bhringi raj, Bhangerijhar, Bhringi raj
Aalijhar, Kaljhar
12 Selinum tenuifolium Bhutkesh, Bhazadri, Ban Bhutkesh
Sampu, Jwane ghans
13 Aconitum spicatum Bikh, Atibish, Ailobikh Bikh
14 Oxalis corniculata Chari amilo, Bokshi, jhar Chari amilo
15 Swertia angustifolia Bhale chirayito, Tite, Chirayito Chirayito
16 Swertia chirayita Chirayito, Tite, Pothi chirayito Chirayito
17 Plumbago zeylanica Chitu, Seto kuro Chitu
18 Smilax aspera Kukurdaino, chopchini, Syal Kukurdaino
daino
19 Berberis aristata Chutro, Rasanjan Chutro
20 Berberis asiatica Chutro, Rasanjan Chutro
21 Hippophae salicifolia Dale chuk, Chichi, Tarechuk, Dale chuk
Chuk
22 Hippophae tibetana Dale chuk, Tora, Bhui chuk Dale chuk
23 Thalictrum foliolosum Dampate, Bansuli Dampate
24 Cedrus deodara Devdar, Deyar Devdar
25 Murraya koenigii Desi neem, Parbate neem, Mitha neem
Mitha neem
26 Woodfordia fruticosa Dhainyaro, Amar phul Dhainyaro
27 Gaultheria fragrantissima Dhasingare, Machhino, Patpate Dhasingare
28 Juniperus communis Dhupi, Dhup Dhupi
29 Juniperus indica Dhupi, Dhup Dhupi
30 Leucas cephalotes Dronapuspi, Devdroni Dronapuspi
31 Abies spectabilis Talispatra, Gobresalla Talispatra
32 Curcuma angustifolia Besar, Haledo Haledo
33 Viscum album Aijeru, Hadchur Hadchur
34 Viscum articulatum Aijeru, Hadchur Hadchur
35 Holarrhena pubescens Ban khirro, Indrajau Indrajau
36 Syzygium cumini Phandir, Jamun Jamun
37 Nardostachys grandiflora Jatamansi, Bhutle Jatamansi
38 Mucuna pruriens Kause phool, Kaaucho, Kauso Kauso
39 Neopicrorhiza Katuki, Kutki Kutki
scrophularriflora
40 Podophyllum hexandrum Laghupatra, Ban bhanta, Papra Laghupatra
41 Rubia manjith Tiro lahara, Majitho Majitho
42 Curculigo orchioides Musali, Kalo musali, Kanda Kalo Musali
43 Lycopodium clavatum Nagbeli, Ban mala, Pitho, Nagbeli
Lahare jhyau
44 Osyris wightiana Nun dhiki, Ban jhari Nun dhiki
45 Rheum australe Chulthi amilo, Padamchaal, Padamchaal
Aakase chuk
46 Dactylorhiza hatagirea Paanch aule, Hathajadi Paanch aule
47 Bergenia ciliata Pakhanved, Pashanved Pakhanved
48 Inula cappa Raasna, Gaitihare, Gaitihare
Bakhrakane, Kanpate
49 Pinus roxburghii Rani salla, Khote salla Khote salla
50 Abrus precatorius Rati gedi, Lal gedi Lal gedi
51 Paris polyphylla Satuwa, Kal chun Satuwa
52 Vitex negundo Simali, Nir gundhi, Nilosiwali Simali
53 Mallotus philippensis Sindure, Rhohini Sindure
54 Crateva unilocularis Sipligan, Siplikan Siplikan
55 Valeriana jatamansii Sugandhawal, Murjhyang, Sugandhawal
Nakkali jatamansi
56 Rhododendron Sunpati, Dhup Sunpati
anthopogon
57 Taxus wallichiana Lauth salla, Burme salla, Lauth salla
Dhyangre salla
58 Oroxylum indicum Tatelo, Maitalo, Totalo Totalo
59 Cinnamomum tamala Tejpat, Dalchini Tejpat
60 Astilbe rivularis Thulo okhati, Budho okhati Thulo okhati
61 Taraxacum officinale Tuki phool, Dudhejhar, Phulijhar Tuki phool
62 Dioscorea bulbifera Vyakur, Kukur tarul, Ghunar Vyakur
63 Dioscorea deltoidea Vyakur, Kukur tarul, Ghunar Vyakur
Source: A Field Survey, 2006

5.2 Royalty Rate of Traded Herbs and NTFPs

Royalty rate fixed by the Government for traded Herbs and NTFPs are presented in
the following table below.

Table 2: Royalty Rates of Herbs and NTFPs

SN Trade Name Scientific Name Royalty rate/ kg in
NRs.
1 Atis Aconitum heterophyllum 15
2 Asarephool - 8
3 Indreni Citrullus colosynthis/ 10
Trichosanthes palmate
4 Unyau Dryopteris flix-mas 8
5 Kachur Curcuma zedoaria 5
6 Kakoli Fritillaria cirrhosa 5
7 Kamraj Helminthostachys zeylanica 6
8 Kalomusali Curculigo orchioides 6
9 Bantarul Dioscorea spp. 5
10 Kutki Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora 10
11 Kurilo, Satawari Asparagus spp. 5
12 Khas-khas Vetiveria zizaniodes 2
13 Gamdol Brachycorythis obcordata 10
14 Gujargano Stephania spp./ Cissampelos 5
pareira
15 Gurjo Tinospora sinensi/ T. cordifolia 2
16 Jatamansi Nardostachys grandiflora 15
17 Jamanemandro, Daruhaldi Mahonia napaulensis 2
18 Tukiphool Taraxacum officinale 5
19 Nagarmothe Cyperus spp. 5
20 Nirmasi Delphinium denudatum 50
21 Padamchal Rheum australe 5
22 Pakhanbed Bergenia ciliate/ B. ligulata 2
23 Paanchaule Dactylorhiza hatagirea Per piece 500
24 Pipala Piper longum 10
25 Bajradanti Potentilla fulgens 2
26 Banlasun Allium wallichii 10
27 Bilaune Maesa chisia 5
28 Bish Aconitum spicatum 7
29 Bishfej Polypodium vulgare 5
30 Bishma Aconitum palmatum 10
31 Bojho Acorus calamus 3
32 Bhutkesh Selinum tenuifolium 4
33 Mamira Coptis teeta 70
34 Laghupatra Podophyllum hexandrum 5
35 Satuwa Paris polyphylla 10
36 Chandmaruwa Rauwolfia serpentine 50
37 Sisnu Urtica dioica 2
38 Sugandhawal Valeriana jatamansi 15
39 Kukurdaino Smilax spp. 5

Kaatha Ko Bokra Jati (Bark Harvesting Species)

SN Trade Name Scientific Name Royalty rate/ kg
in NRs.
1 Okhar Juglans regia 100
2 Angeri Lyonia ovalifolia 5
3 Kaphal Myrica esculenta 10
4 Kalchuri Litsea glutinosa 5
5 Chutro Berberis sp. 8
6 Chhatiwan Alstonia scholaris 5
7 Jamanemandro Mahonia napaulensis 2
8 Tatelo, Totala Oroxylum indicum 5
9 Dar Boehmeria rugulosa 5
10 Dhupi Juniperus spp. 25
11 Nepali dalchini Cinnamomum tamala 10
12 Palans Butea monosperma 20
13 Pawan, Kaulo Persea spp. 5
14 Paiyun Prunus cerasoides 0.10
15 Bakaino Melia azedarach 2
16 Bhojpatra Betula utilis 15
17 Bhorla Bauhinia vahlii 1

Paat Jati (Leaves Bearing Species)

SN Trade Name Scientific Name Royalty rate/ kg
in NRs.
1 Asuro Adhatoda vasica 1
2 Unyu Dryopteris flix-mas 1
3 Kumkum Didymocarpus leucocalyx 2
4 Chumlani Skimmia laureola 0.25
5 Jagar, Jigar - 2
6 Tokla - 1
7 Thinguresalla Tsuga dumosa 2
8 Talispatra Abies spectabilis 5
9 Titepati Artemisia spp. 0.5
10 Tejpat Cinnamomum tamala 2
11 Tendupat Diospyros tomentosa 2
12 Dudhelahara - 1
13 Dhasingre Gaultheria fragrantissima 0.25
14 Dhupi Juniperus spp. 2
15 Nagbeli Lycopodium clavatum 5
16 Nundhiki Osyris spp. 1
17 Bhalayo Semecarpus anacardium 1
18 Bhorla Bauhinia vahlii 50
19 Masala Eucalyptus spp. 10
20 Malata Macaranga spp. 50
21 Lemongrass Cymbopogon flexuosus 50
22 Lothsalla ko Pat Taxus wallichiana 25
23 Sal Shorea robusta 10
24 Silaginella Selaginella spp. 1
25 Sunpati Rhododendron anthopogon 3
26 Hinguwa Camellia kissi 50

Phool Ra Bhuwa Jati (Flower Harvesting Species)

SN Trade Name Scientific Name Royalty rate/ kg
in NRs.
1 Asuro Adhatoda vasica 1
2 Koiralo Bauhinia variegata 0.50
3 Gurans, Chimaal, Sunpati Rhododendron spp. 2
4 Tukiphool Taraxacum officinale 5
5 Dhanyero Woodfordia fruticosa 1
6 Nageswor Mesua ferrea 5
7 Padampuskar Iris nepalensis 3
8 Buki Gnaphalium spp./Anaphalis 1
spp.
9 Mauwa (Pahadi) Englehardtia spicata 2
10 Rukhakamal Magnolia grandiflora 25
11 Simalko Phool Bombax ceiba 3
12 Annya Phool - 1
13 Aanka ko Bhuwa Calotropis gigantean 4
14 Simal ko Bhuwa Bombax ceiba 4

Phal Ra Biz Jati (Fruit and Seed Harvesting Species)

SN Trade Name Scientific Name Royalty rate/ kg
in NRs.
1 Ander Ricinus communis 2
2 Amala Phyllanthus emblica/Emblica 1
officinalis
3 Asna, Saj Terminalia tomentosa 2
4 Indrajau Holarrhena antidysenterica 1
5 Indrayani Citrullus colosynthis/ 8
Trichosanthes palmata
6 Utis Alnus nepalensis 50
7 Okhar Juglans regia 5
8 Kantakari Solanum xanthocarpum 1
9 Kaayiyo Phal Pavetta indica 2
10 Kauso Mucuna prurita 2
11 Kusum Schleichera oleosa 2
12 Koiralo Bauhinia variegate 1
13 Khotesallko Biu Pinus roxburghii 200
14 Champawati, Chanp Michelia champaca 500
15 Chiuri Bassia butyracea 3
16 Chilauneko Geda Schima wallichii 25
17 Jangali Jira Centratherum anthelminticum 5
18 Jangali Jwano Carum carvi 5
19 Jamun Syzygium cumini 1
20 Timur Zanthoxylum armatum 8
21 Dhalekatus Castanopsis indica 1
22 Tigedi - 5
23 Debdar Cedrus deodara 100
24 Dhaturo Datura spp. 2
25 Dhupi ko Geda Juniperus spp. 3
26 Nagbeli ko Paudar Lycopodium clavatum 20
27 Nageswor Mesua ferrea 5
28 Palans Butea monosperma 5
29 Pangra Entada phaseoloides/ 5
Aesculus indica
30 Pani Amala Nephrolepis cordifolia 1
31 Pipla, Pipali Piper longum 10
32 Bakaino Melia azedarach 50
33 Ban Karela Herpetospermum 1
pendunculosum
34 Bayar Ziziphus mauritiana 2
35 Barro Terminalia bellirica 1
36 Jhyau Lichen 3
37 Bet Calamus tenius 5
38 Bel Aegle marmelos
39 Bhadracha - 8
40 Bhalayo Semecarpus anacardium 2
41 Bhujetro Butea minor 5
42 Mauwa (Terai) Bassia latifolia 3
43 Mauwa (Pahadi) Engelhardtia spicata 3
44 Ratigedi, Lalgedi Abrus precatorius 5
45 Rajbriksha Cassia fistula 2
46 Ramphal Annona reticulata 2
47 Ritha Sapindus mukorossi 2
48 Rukhakamalko Phal Magnolia grandiflora 25
49 Rudrakchha Elaeocarpus sphaericus 5
50 Rohini, Sindure Mallotus philippinensis 5
51 Lapsi Choerospondias axillaris 2
52 Sajiwan Jatropha curcas 1
53 Sallako Simta Pinus roxburghii 2
54 Sal ko Biu Shorea robusta 1
55 Sikakai Acacia concinna 3
56 Simalko Phal Bombax ceiba 3
57 Siltimur Lindera neesiana 2
58 Sitaphal Annona squamosa 2
59 Sugandhakokila Cinnamomum glaucescens 6
60 Hadchur Viscum album/ V. articulatum 3
61 Harro Terminalia chebula 1

Biruwa Jati (Entire Plant Harvesting Species)

SN Trade Name Scientific Name Royalty rate/ kg
in NRs.
1 Padamchaal Rheum australe 5
2 Eklebir Lobelia pyramidalis 5
3 Gurjolahara Tinospora sinensis/ T. 2
cordifolia
4 Ghodtapre Centella asiatica 0.50
5 Chiraito Swertia chirayita/ Swertia spp. 15
6 Titepate Artemesia spp. 0.50
7 Dronapuspi Leucas cephalotus 5
8 Punarnawa Boerhavia diffusa 8
9 Bhringiraj Eclipta prostrate 0.50
10 Majitho Rubia manjith 3
11 Yarsagumba Cordyceps sinensis/ 10,000
Cordyceps spp.
12 Somlata Ephedra gerardiana 5

Gamargin, Lohawan Jati

SN Trade Name Scientific Name Royalty rate/ kg in
NRs.
1 Kakarsingi Insect gall on Pistacia 10
integerrima
2 Gokuldhup - 5
3 Main Bee wax 5
4 Maha Bee Honey 10
5 Laha Lac gum 40
6 Silajit Rock exudates 50
7 Salla ko khoto Pinus roxburghii 3
8 Sal dhup Shorea robusta 5

Annya Jadibuti (Others)

SN Trade Name Scientific Name Royalty rate/ kg
in NRs.
1 Anantamul Hemidesmus indicus 10
2 Aamphi Pyrularis edulis 1
3 Karbela - 15
4 Chulthi Aamilo Rheum australe petiole 3
5 Kaladana Eulophia spp. 5
6 Guchhi Chyau Morchella spp. 200
7 Chabo Piper chaba 5
8 Jhyau Parmelia spp. 15
9 Bidarikanda Pueraria phaseoloides 2
10 Sadharan Chyau Wild mushroom 5
11 Halhale Rumex nepalensis 3
Source: HMG/N, Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation

5.3 Taxation System:

5.3.1 Procedures on Herbs and NTFPs Collection and Trade
Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation has formulated
Forest Act, 1993 which regulate the Herbs and NTFPs harvesting, processing and its
commercial trade. Before harvesting of each Herbs and NTFPs for commercial
purpose every concerned entity have to pay the respective royalty and follow the
rules and regulations mentioned in Forest Act, 1993 and its amendments.
Wild Herbs and NTFPs in Nepal are generally harvested from National and
Community Forests. Collection permits have to be obtained from the District Forest
Office (DFO) for the collection of Herbs and NTFPs from government forest or in
pasture land and from Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) for their collection
from Community Forests (CF). For this applicant has to submit an application
containing details on the types of herbs, origin, collection quantity and purpose of the
collection (domestic use or export). After getting permission from DFO/CFUGs in the
form of formal letter, collectors/traders can collect and store, same Herbs and NTFPs
and quantity mentioned in the permission letter. After that collectors/traders have to
pay royalty of the collected quantity of Herbs and NTFPs to DFO/CFUGs for release
letter. This release letter is a proof of royalty payment by the herb supplier for the
Herbs and NTFPs local use and domestic transportation. DFO only gives permits to
those Herbs and NTFPs which are not prohibited for harvest and commercial trade in
raw or unprocessed form.

5.3.2 Transportation of Herbs and NTFPs and Illegal Taxation

Transportation inside the country from the collection centre to Road head or Terai
trade centers have to pass through several Herbs and NTFPs checking posts. These
check posts examine the collected/harvested Herbs and NTFPs and the respective
documents (DFO/CFUGs permission, release letter of DFO/CFUG’s letter). If the
transporter has necessary documents which match with transported Herbs and
NTFPs only then Herbs and NTFPs are allowed to move further. If not both the
transporter and goods are detained for further investigations. Multiple check points
have been established just to verify the transporting of Herbs and NTFPs.
In almost all the check posts, the security personnel and other concerned authority
charge money to the traders according to their will illegally. If oppose regarding the
illegal taxation, both the traders and goods will be detained for so-called further
investigations.

5.3.3 Taxation on Herbs and NTFPs Imposed by DDC

According to the Local Development Autonomous Regulations, District Development
Committee has provisions on the natural resources, stating that DDC can collect the
revenue from the resources of each district.
On the basis of such provision in the regulation, DDC has been imposing the
taxation from Herbs and NTFPs that are traded from the district. The
royalty/taxations are charged on the basis of the royalty rate fixed by Ministry of
Forest and Soil Conservation (MoFSC) via the contractor from the release check
post.