Essential oils extracted from various herbs in Ilam are now reaching international markets.
Nitya Raj Dahal, who runs a manufacturing plant in Maijogmai Rural Municipality, has been exporting these oils—mainly to France—for a year.
“Our factory produces essential oils from locally available herbs like mugwort, black juniper, mint, and wintergreen (dhasingre),” Dahal told state-owned RSS news agency. “Currently, extracts from mugwort, cypress, and mint are being exported.”
Plans are underway to extract oils from geranium, wild marigold and rosemary in the near future.
Dahal, an Osho follower, mentioned that foreigners visiting his meditation center often purchase his products.
Essential oils from mint and wintergreen are priced at Rs 7,000 per kg each, while mugwort sells for Rs 6,000 per kg and black juniper for Rs 2,500 per kg.
Dahal cultivates herbs on 35 ropani of land and also sources them from local farmers.
According to local resident Keshav Dahal, previously uncultivated land in the village is now being used for commercial herb farming.
RSS