MARKET REPORT OF RHODODENDRON(Rhododendron anthopogon)

Rhododendron holds significant importance in Nepal. One of the species of Rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal and it is also a symbol of cultural significance in the Buddhist community. Rhododendron grows in high places, like in Solukhumbu, which is between 3000 to 4800m. Rhododendron has multiple uses, the ariel part of the flower is steam distilled to produce essential oil, and its leaves and petals are used to prepare a relaxing tea that helps people feel less anxious and calmer. Before exploring the essential oil industry, rhododendron was used to create incense. Now, it can be used in different fields such as pharmaceuticals, the flavor industry, aromatherapy, and cosmetics. The harvesting season of Rhododendron starts the rainy season ends in Nepal, around August to November.

CONDITION OF THE COLLECTORS

A few years back, our collectors used to collect Jatamansi which is one of the endangered species in Nepal. The collectors have a myth that Jatamansi/Spikenard once collected, can’t be collected from the same place for the next two years. If anyone goes to the same place for collection before the completion of two years, then it is believed that ghosts haunt them. The sustainability practices as well as the myth had caused them to earn very little amount of income from collection. To worsen the situation, Nepal banned the export of Jatamansi from 2017 to 2019.The ban on exports had a pitiful impact on the income of the collectors. After the ban, they started to collect Rhododendron which gave them more financial stability. Including Rhododendron in their collection routine was the best decision they ever took as it has provided them with continuous income to support their family. They did not have to rely solely on Jatamansi for their income. Collecting Anthopogan has also helped to slow down the mgration rate of the collectors to foreign countries as they are earning enough to support there family. But every collection has its own struggle, due to the availability of Rhododendron in high altitudes, it takes collectors about 2 days to reach the collection area and bring them to the distillation area. The distillation of Anthopogon is relatively low as compared to other essential oils as it is still to be explored in many more industries.

OUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE COLLECTORS

We have been trying to promote the sustainability of the environment by providing training to the collectors. The training includes sustainable collection practices such as the periodic collection of crops from a specific area. This practice allows the crop to regenerate and provide enough raw material for the future collection as well as the estimated wages of the collectors.