HERBAL TEA

PRODUCTION IN JUMLA

A SUCCESSFUL

MICRO-ENTERPRISE

- Netra Bhandari, ANSAB

A farmer of Jumla Mr. Shiva Chandra Khatri has started micro-enterprise of herbal tea. Herbal tea is locally known as Jadibuti Chiya or Ghodemacho Chiya. There existed the traditional practices of using herbal drinks in Jumla. Mr. Khatri of Chandanath VDC strengthens the traditional practices by bringing it to the local market of Jumla. He added some other commonly known herbs other than Ghodemacho to enhance the flavor and medicinal properties of the herbal tea to place in the local market. For more than two years, he spent his time mainly in making this tea familiar to the Jumli people for its importance and use. The tea contains five highly valuable medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). Their names, parts used, medicinal use and content are given in Table A.

Table A
Local Name English and Scientific Name Parts Used Medicinal Purpose Content in each 10g
Ghodemachho

Ram Tulsi

Pudino

Lautho

Gandhaino

 Thyme (Thymus Linearis)

Marjoram (Origanum vulgare)

Mint (Mentha arvensis

Himalayan yew (Taxus baccata)

Pleurospermum dentatum

 Whole aeriel part

Leaves

Leaves

barks & Leaves

Root

 Used for allergy, blood

purificaion, fever

cough, common cold,

fever and asthma

stomach relieve, indigestion,

cough, appetiser

headache, diarrhoea,

carminative and stomach relieve

indigestion, gastritis,

stomach relieve

 55%

20%

10%

10%

5%

The herbal tea is sold in 5gm and 10gm packets for a price of NRs. 5 and NRs.10 respectively. He also sold this tea to different offices, projects, travel agencies, tourists and people visiting Jumla. His tea packages are sold in five retail shops in Jumla. He has also established nursery near the forest at the altitude of 2700m. During this year, Mr. Khatri have produced 270 kg of herbal tea and is expecting to earn about NRs. 150,000. This year he also sold his tea to some Indian traders and in Surkhet, Nepalganj and Janakpur market.

packed herbal tea