This project has been set up in the Nawalparasi and Chitwan districts.

It aims to create new income for local communities through growing medicinal plants, while conserving the district’s biodiversity and facilitating local natural resource management.

We began in 2005 with a scientific study of the medicinal plants growing locally and naturally. Since January 2006, we now cultivate these same plants in an organised farm, thanks to our Nepalese agronomist Subash Subedi.

In a third phase, beginning 2007, the future cooperative will use these plants to produce medicines, essential oils, tea, ointments, syrups and soap. The aim is to develop and strengthen the local and regional markets linking the different producers of Nawalparasi and Chitwan.

In the last phase, starting in 2008, the cooperative will become independent, management training will be given and financial support will be provided.

At the same time, special activities for preservation and research will be promoted.

Five partners are involved: Jadi Bouti Committee from Town Bhagar, Gaindakot CFUG, Vishnu Herbal Farm, Sahamati and HumanCare.