Priceless herbals being exported at Rs 20 per kg

Kathmandu, June 22 (RSS): In absence of processing centre and sluggish technological development in Nepal, the cottage industry of the country has not taken momentum as expected.
Now the precious herbals are being exported Rs 20 per kg in lack of processing technology. Nepal can reap much benefit from the export of herbal plants with medicinal values if processing can be done in the country, according to the Federation of Nepal Small and Cottage Industries.
Likewise, gemstone which is only available in the Karnali Province has also been exported to foreign countries in a very cheap price, the Federation said.
Talking to RSS, acting Chairperson of the Federation Umesh Prasad Singh said Nepali entrepreneurs have to invest high costs for production because of the prevalence of old technology and lower units of production.
Even though orange and Junar (sweet orange) juice is produced, its packaging and labelling is not carried out in a professional way. Several small and cottage industries are in operation in Nepal and their products are high on demand in foreign countries. He shared that the these industries have been providing 50 percent tax of the total revenue to the government, he added.
Chairperson Singh further shared that a small-scale cottage industry in Nepal is providing employment to 5-10 members of each family which in a way contributes to prevent the Nepali youth force from going abroad for works. —