Commercial Exploitation and Conservation Status of High Value Medicinal Plants Across the Borderline of India and Nepal in Pithoragarh

Across the borderline of Nepal and India in the Jhulaghat region of Pithoragarh District (Uttaranchal), a total of 16 medicinal plants were documented during the present survey, which are in trade for commercial purpose. Most of these medicinal plants are being collected from the Baitedi District of Nepal and then supplied to the India via Jhulaghat and Dharchula. Reetha (Sapindus mukorosii) was traded commercially in highest quantity (about 4,000 qt1s) during 2001-2002. Six species of rare and endangered categories were also collected from Baitadi District for sale to India, inspite of the total ban on their collection for commercial purpose. Based on the survey and findings, various conservation and management steps have been discussed to protect the medicinal plants and also for future course of action.