Export of domestic herbs through the Nepal-India customs point at Gaddachauki is on the rise after India opened a quarantine check post at the customs point, relieving traders with a reduction in transport costs.

Earlier, traders used to export the local herbs produced in the hills of the Far Western districts via Nepalgunj-Rupaidiya customs point. Gooseberry (Amala), Soapnut (Reetha), Bay Leaf (Tejpatta), Swertia (Chiraito), White Turmeric (Kachur), Machilus macrantha (Kaulo), Pashadved and Chaturo are among the main herbs being exported from the region.

As per the traders, they are switching to the nearest customs point in Gaddachauki following the infrastructure installed by the Indian government. “With the new gateway, we now have easy access for exporting our products,” said Ram Bahadur Chand, proprietor of Everest Agro Industries.

Chand said the new route has also helped them save time along with lowering transport costs. According to him, traders can now earn a profit of at least 25 percent.

The southern neighbour on the other hand, has been creating hassles on import of herbs such as Timmur, Jatamasi and Kutki from Nepal. Traders claim that this was done on purpose by the Indian government to pressure Nepali traders to reduce their prices.

The record of Kanchanpur Customs shows that Nepali traders have exported Bay Leaf and Aloe Vera in the first five months of the current fiscal year.

Customs Chief Bhim Adhikari said exports through the customs point have slowly started gaining pace.

As per the District Forest Office, around 3 tonnes of herbs collected in the forests of the Far-western Nepal were exported last month. Mohan Kafle, an official, said traders can export herbs that are considered eligible for free movement as per the bilateral trade agreement.

Apart from the ones exported via legitimate trading routes, a large amount of herbs are also suspected of being smuggled into India. Traders have been found exporting restricted herbs by passing them off as ordinary herbs.