Nepal’s Forest and Environment Minister Geeta Chaudhary has warned that the country is failing to fully utilize its vast herbal medicine potential, despite abundant natural resources. Her remarks highlight growing concerns over missed economic opportunities in Nepal’s medicinal plant sector.
Speaking at the 66th anniversary of the Department of Plant Resources and the 27th National Botanical Day in Kathmandu on Sunday, Chaudhary said Nepal’s herbal sector remains stuck in its early stages despite strong potential.
Research Gap Limits Herbal Industry Growth
Chaudhary pointed to a critical gap in scientific research and development, noting that most herbal resources have not progressed beyond basic exploration.
She directed the department to collaborate with national and international research institutions to ensure progress at least up to pre-clinical trials. According to her, such steps are essential to transform raw herbal resources into viable pharmaceutical products.
The minister stressed that without advancing research, Nepal risks losing out on global opportunities in the fast-growing herbal and natural medicine market.
Push for Industry Collaboration and Investment
Chaudhary also emphasized the need to commercialize formulas already developed by the department through partnerships with both public and private sectors. She said such collaboration could significantly boost government revenue, while also encouraging domestic industrial development and job creation.
“Research outputs should not remain unused,” she said, calling for immediate steps to bring scientific findings into practical application.
Economic Impact Seen in Rural Development
The minister highlighted the broader economic impact of the herbal sector, particularly in rural areas. She said the industry could play a key role in poverty reduction, employment generation, and foreign currency earnings.
Chaudhary argued that developing the medicinal plant sector as a core economic pillar could help diversify Nepal’s economy and reduce dependency on imports.
Government Signals Policy and Legal Reforms
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to introducing necessary policy, legal, and structural reforms to support the sector’s growth. The government aims to create a more attractive environment for private investment while also promoting research and innovation, she added.
Chaudhary also stressed the importance of engaging youth in botany, biological research, and innovation to sustain long-term growth.
Botanical Documentation Efforts Expand
Meanwhile, the Department of Plant Resources is preparing to publish the “Flora of Nepal,” a comprehensive scientific documentation of the country’s plant biodiversity. Officials said that 658 plant species have already been documented using scientific methods, marking a significant step toward cataloging Nepal’s rich botanical resources.
The event also honored individuals who have contributed to the conservation and development of botanical resources in Nepal.
