Trade and conservation of Himalayan medicinal plants: Nardostachys grandiflora DC. and Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora (Pennell) Hong

There is a large annual international trade in the rhizomes of the alpine Himalayan perennials Nardostachys grandiflora DC. and Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora (Pennell) Hong, both species in a monotypic genus. This paper estimates the range of the annual trade levels and discusses the conservation implications. Data was collected through a nation-wide survey in Nepal using standardised open-ended interviews with 223 harvesters, 149 local traders, 90 central wholesalers, 53 regional wholesalers, and 16 processing industries. Data collection allowed cross-checking of findings by comparing an annual supply estimate and an annual consumption estimate. Regarding methodology, it is concluded that using agents’ own-reported values results in reliable volume and value estimates; however, validity should be treated with caution, as there is evidence of systematic bias in price reporting and underestimation of quantities. Trade data is thus evaluated to constitute conservative estimates, with local trader derived data being more valid than wholesaler derived data. Annual trade levels from Nepal are estimated at 100-500 tonnes of N. grandiflora rhizomes and 175-770 tonnes of N. scrophulariiflora rhizomes. In the case year of 1997/1998, the respective global amounts were estimated at 350-400 and 650-1000 tonnes (of which a maximum of 50-300 tonnes are from Picrorhiza kurrooa whose rhizomes are mixed with P. scrophulariiflora and traded under the name kutki) with a total CIF value of USD 2.7-3.6 million. Nepal is the main supplier (82 ± 5% of N. grandiflora and 66 ± 12 of kutki) followed by India (13 ± 5 and 19 ± 12) and Bhutan (5 ± 4 and 14 ± 8). The importance of applying a regional approach to conservation of the species is emphasised, as is the need for improved official trade monitoring by governments.