MANANG, April 26: Residents of Manang district have ascended toward the highlands to collect Yarsagumba (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) with the beginning of the Yarsa picking season.
Generally, the Yarsa picking season begins from May and it will continue till the third week of June.
Locals have set out for Namke Kharka, Khangsarkharka and Narphukharka in the Upper Manang to collect the valuable medicinal herbs. Their main income sources are agriculture and medicinal herbs. "We are heading to the highlands to collect Yarsa as this season is favorable for the same," said Jag Bahadur Gurung of Chame Rural Municipality-4.
Snowfall affects collection of yarsagumba in Manang
They obtained permission for the Yarsa picking by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAAP) unit office Manang. Herbs collection is considered as one of the major sources of income of Manang folks. People from outside the district also arrive here for the Yarsa collection.
Chief District Officer of Manang Suprabha Khanal Dhungel said necessary arrangements have been put in place for the security of Yarsa collectors.
The collection has begun from the Namke and The local administration has permitted the collection in Narfu and Khangsar of Upper Manang as well.
The possession of COVID-19 vaccination card is compulsory for the Yarsa and other herbs collectors and suppliers from outside the district.
(RSS)
