Feasibility Study

Report on Feasibility of Triphala Production
Enterprise development in Central Terai

area
Amala
Barro
Harro
Submitted to:
SNV Nepal Central Terai Portfolio
Submitted by:
Sichan Shrestha
Enterprise Development Consultant
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 9841333358
Triphala Feasibility study and Operation and Management of Triphala Power Enterprise
Table of Contents
1. Summary ............................................................................................. 6
2. Introduction ........................................................................................ 9
3. Study Design..................................................................................... 14
3.1. Purpose of the study ........................................................................14
3.2. Study design, methodology and approaches ........................................14
3.3. Expected outcomes from the study.....................................................15
4. Products description (Harro, Barro and Amala) .............................. 17
4.1. Product details ................................................................................17
4.2. Cultivation and harvesting.................................................................21
4.3. Processing ......................................................................................21
5. Supply and demand of Triphala in Nepal ......................................... 23
5.1. Triphala supply................................................................................23
5.2. Demand .........................................................................................26
5.3. Import and Export ...........................................................................26
6. Availability of Raw materials ........................................................... 28
6.1. Availability in Community forest, National Forest and private cultivation ..28
7. Triphala Enterprise Analysis ............................................................ 31
7.1. Technical Feasibility .........................................................................31
7.2. Social Feasibility ..............................................................................31
7.3. Economic Feasibility .........................................................................32
7.4. Financial feasibility...........................................................................37
8. Operation and Management of Triphala Enterprise ........................ 42
9. Interested Individuals and Organisations in Triphala Entperprise . 44
10. Support services and its delivery from different agencies ............. 45
11. Intervention strategies..................................................................... 49
12. Conclusions ...................................................................................... 50
13. References........................................................................................ 50
14. Annex ................................................................................................ 52
14.1. Interview questionnaire forms ...........................................................52
14.2. List of persons met ..........................................................................66
14.3. Collection of Triphala ........................................................................67
14.4. Payment Slip Format for Collectors .....................................................67
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List of tables
Table 1: Summary of Organisations that make up the enabling environment in regulatory and supportive functions is NTFPs . 10
Table 2: Policies and initiatives for promotion of NTFP sector........................................................................................... 12
Table 3: District: District Ayurvedic health service center ............................................................................................................. 23
Table 4: Ayurvedic aysadhalayas in the districts: ......................................................................................................................... 23
Table 5: List of National Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturing Companies ..................................................................................... 24
Table 6: List of International Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturing Companies .............................................................................. 25
Table 7: Collection of raw Triphala (Harro, Barro and Amala) ...................................................................................................... 26
Table 8: Amala export in a year 2063/64 ...................................................................................................................................... 26
Table 9: Harro/Barro export (Year 2063/64) ................................................................................................................................. 27
Table 10: Community Forest User Group in central terai districts ................................................................................................ 28
Table 11: Royalty rates ................................................................................................................................................................. 29
Table 12: Triphala available VDCs in four districts ....................................................................................................................... 29
Table 13: Availability of Harro, Barro, Amala in the district........................................................................................................... 30
Table 14: Cost of Raw Triphala (Harro, Barro and Amala) ........................................................................................................... 33
Table 15: Cost of Dry Triphala (Harro, Barro and Amala)............................................................................................................. 33
Table 16: Maximum Retail Price of different popular available Nepali brand and sizes are follows:............................................ 33
Table 17: Maximum Retail Price of different popular available International brand and sizes are follows: .................................. 33
Table 18: Price of Amala, Harro and Barro in the India market, June 2006 ................................................................................. 33
Table 19: Price of Triphala ingredients (Amla. Harro and Barro).................................................................................................. 34
Table 20: Fixed Investment (Machine and equipment)................................................................................................................. 37
Table 21: Depreciation of Machine and Equipments .................................................................................................................... 38
Table 22: Maintenance Cost ......................................................................................................................................................... 38
Table 23: Indirect Labor Cost........................................................................................................................................................ 38
Table 24: Administrative and Management cost........................................................................................................................... 38
Table 25: Pre-Operating cost........................................................................................................................................................ 38
Table 26: Details of Raw Materials and other inputs: ................................................................................................................... 39
Table 27: Direct Labor Cost .......................................................................................................................................................... 39
Table 28: Packaging, Labeling Cost and Promotion..................................................................................................................... 39
Table 29: Summary of total cost: .................................................................................................................................................. 39
Table 30: Calculation of Per Unit Production Cost........................................................................................................................ 39
Table 31: Details of Raw Materials and other inputs .................................................................................................................... 40
Table 32: Direct Labor Cost .......................................................................................................................................................... 40
Table 33: Packaging, Labeling Cost and Promotion..................................................................................................................... 40
Table 34: Summary of total cost: .................................................................................................................................................. 40
Table 35: Calculation of Per Unit Production Cost........................................................................................................................ 40
Table 36: Cost benefit of Amala by using seeds........................................................................................................................... 41
Table 37: Cost benefit of Amala by using Saplings ...................................................................................................................... 41
Table 38: Organisations and its service delivery .......................................................................................................................... 46
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Acknowledgements
The report and study acknowledges the following individuals/organizations for their
contributions:
Mr. Ujwal Pokharel, East and Central Portfolio coordinator, Mr. Laxmi Dutta Bhatta,
Advisor Mr. Kesari, Vijay Prasad, Advisor and the entire SNV Central Portfolio team for
conducting the feasibility study on Triphala production enterprise in the Central Terai
regions of Nepal.
Similarly, to the entire stakeholders from private sector, Government, Semi-Government

and the individual farmers those who participated in the study process by sharing their
knowledge and information. Especially the NTFP networks and DFCC offices team in
Makwanpur, Bara, Sarlahi and Dhanusha district for providing in-depth insight about
district situation and reality for making me understand the actual scenario.
Lastly, the traders, manufacturers and retailers involved in Triphala business for
providing genuine information.
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
NTFP : Non Timber Forest Product

ANSAB : Asian Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bio resources
AEC : Agro Enterprise Center
DFO : Department of Forest
DFCC : District Forest Coordination Office
SNV : Netherlands Development Organisation
DSCO : District Soil Conservation Office
DDC : District Development Committee
CFUG : Community Forest Users Group
FUG : Forest Users Group
WTO : World Trade Organisation
GMP : Good Manufacturing Practices
VDC : Village Development Committee
MAP : Medicine and Aromatic Plants
NARC : National Agriculture Research Council
NGO : Non-Governmental Organisation
NTFPs : Non Timber Forest Products
LHF : Leasehold forestry
CF : Community Forest
PLF : Public Land Forestry
ACOFUN : Association of Collaborative Forest Users Nepal
FECOFUN : Federation of Community Forest Users of Nepal
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1. Summary
Study was commenced with detail planning and research questionnaire deign. The study
team interacted with the district level stakeholders (DFCC, DFO, NTFP networks, farmers,
traders, small scale processors and retailers etc.) and national level stakeholders (Big
size manufacturers, national traders, retailers etc. ) to gather primary source of
information related to cultivation, collection, processing and marketing of Triphala
churna. Secondary information was gathered by reading documents from the internet
search and materials gathered during the interviews.
Study findings are summarized as follows:
Triphala powder is commonly used as medicine for curing stomach related problems
of human being. It has multiple benefits as an individual, mixing separately or used in
other medicine for specific purpose. Harro and Barro are mostly available in the forest
areas and where as in addition to the forest, Amala is available in the private land, which
is cultivated in the month of March until August. Harvesting is all three fruits are suitable
in the month of October until March. Due to low available of Harro and Barro, collector
are not motivated in collection but Amala is mostly collected from the local collectors
which they fetch higher price (for Harro and Barro from Rs. 10 to 15 and Amala Rs. 30 to
40) compare to others and market guarantee its sales. Amala has multiple benefits in
terms of products as well as marketing aspects as it is used in other medicine and used
as a food and cosmetic products (hair oil, shampoo, soap etc.).
There are 40 registered Ayurvedic manufacturers and 38 importers who are

supplying Triphala churna in the market. These manufacturers are supplying not more
than 150 tons through around 900 retail shops and 289 Ayurvdeic Service centers
(Ausadhalaya). In addition to that, there are few more small-scale processors as an
individual who locally produce churna by purchasing Harro, Barro and Amala from the
farmers. It is estimated that mostly all Harro and Barro are imported from India about
2,000 tons, which is locally consumed in small quantity and mostly other, are exported
to China. Market price of Triphala churna varies from Rs. 30 to 60 for 100 gm and is
available in plastic bottles and in a loose plastic pack.
Triphala powder can be prepared by following very simple procedure, which involved
proper drying, and removing seeds from all the fruits and converting into powder form
by simple pulverize machine. Scale of investment starts from minimum of Rs. 250,000 to
maximum of Rs. 500,000 depending on target volume of production. Processing is very
labour intensive and mostly women are engaged at the lower end of the production i.e.
harvesting, collection, drying, sorting, grading and packaging. Production is nowadays a
very basic aspect and should follow all quality standards (GMP, HACCP etc.), but where
as marketing is another very challenging aspect that requires lots of intellectual planning
and investment in creating brand identity and customer responsiveness. With both the
quality production and marketing aspects processing at the local level is, questioned all
the time.
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Domestic production of Triphala is estimated to be not more than 150 tons.

Additional 100 tons are either imported or locally produced by 28 international
manufacturing companies. Currently it is only collected from the forest areas and not
cultivated in the private land. In the four study districts, it is estimated that 80 tons of
Triphala is collected from 23-hectare area with directly benefiting poor beneficiaries
involved in collection. Even though there are 89,343 HH involved in collection of NTFPs
but it cannot be said that they are all involved in Triphala collection. It is actually difficult
to estimate number of HH directly involved in Triphala collection. Triphala cultivation can
be upscale in barren land in private, public, community and leasehold forest. Very few
development organisations/programme are involved in the promotion of Triphala based
enterprise in Nepal especially in technical, financial and marketing. However, there are
regular Government support services mechanism from various departments and
institutions.
Suggestions and recommendations

Even though establishing small scale Triphala processing is technically and financially
viable but there are many management issues in collection and procuring raw materials
from the forest areas especially Harro and Barro. Large-scale collection and semi
processing with quality control is mandatory at this stage. It is recommended that
initially Triphala should be processed only up to the level where there is no change in the
product form (do not prepare powder). Usually market defines required quantity of
materials and its quality so it is very essential to plan these parameters along with the
market players i.e. traders and manufacturers. Currently Triphala is imported from India
which can be gradually replaced by quality processing by introducing appropriate
harvesting, drying and seed extraction technology to the local level groups or
cooperatives those who are interested to work in this sector. To promote commercial
cultivation and conservation in the forest areas by sustainable harvesting existing local
level organisation i.e. NTFP networks, DDC/VDC, (DDC-Local development fund can be
utilize for the commercial cultivation through group approach) DFCC, DFO, DSCO etc.
can play a vital role where as groups and cooperatives shall commercially involve in
collective collection, semi processing and marketing of dried Triphala to the traders and
then finally to the manufacturers or exports.
Collectors/farmers are currently not motivated in the promotion of this sector due to
the reason that there is no assurance of its market and they are scattered where as
buyers have no access with the collectors/farmers. Business relationship between the
traders/manufacturers and the farmers/groups/cooperatives needs to be build by long-
term contractual agreement and commitment from both the parties. Suppliers shall
provide quality and quantity raw material supply where as buyers should pay agreed
price. Triphala processing is labour intensive and mostly women are involved especially
in harvesting, sorting, grading and seed extraction and packaging. These women will be
benefited if it is processed in a volume.
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Due to logistics difficulty (road access, strikes, bandh, etc.), Triphala churna
produced by large-scale manufactures does not reach the local rural market and are
depended on Indian products. These local markets does not demand branded product
with attractive packaging so prepare Triphala powder can be produced in a small scale
with low cost production targeting these local rural market segment positioning that
Nepali product is fresh and much better than Indian product.
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2. Introduction
NTFP have been welfare, subsistence or livelihood commodity since long. The importance
of MAPs has increased progressively over the last two decades. Ayurvedic remedies are
increasing become mainstream consumer products manufactured by national and
multinational companies.
Over the last decade Nepal's natural products sector has undergone significant
changes with the increase in community forest user rights and increased local processing.
This has given Nepal an opportunity to expand beyond its dependence on India market,
but also highlighted how much more work Nepal needs to become competitive in world
markets for natural products while sustain ably managing the unique diversity of the
natural products harvesting areas. The value chain dynamics have changed significantly
from over 90 % traded illegally in raw form to India, to 75 % now processed in Nepal1.
Three species Harro, Barro and Amala, which is required for Triphala production, are
available in mid hills and Terai of Nepal and information regarding its traded volume is
partially available. Its technical research has been conducted many times by experts and
scientist of Nepal but from marketing and value chain development with enterprise
creation prospective the study has not been conducted.
Herbal resources are other form of Ayurvedic wealth. The geographical setting and
advanced bio-diversity has made it possible for the Himalayan country to grow different
valuable medicinal plants. The Medicinal and Aromatic database of Nepal covers 1624
species of plants found in wild state or cultivated, naturalized, or imported belonging to
938 genera and 218 families. These are known to be used as medicine in Nepal. It has
been estimated that four out of five medicinal plants utilized by human beings are
collected currently from the wild (FRAME report).
Since herbal resources are one of the most reliable sources of income for a majority
of the people living in rural areas, competition for harvest begins before the right season.
Locals do not have scientific knowledge or technology and tools to harvest. Probability of
regeneration, therefore, becomes lesser by the year and finally reaches extinction. There
are two urgent steps required to check this: First, the local people who rely on such
natural resources for their lives must be trained; second, encourage them to cultivate
these herbs commercially. Research has found that due to change in socio-psychological
factors and educational patterns, the present generations of traditional healers do not
follow the old methods. This is a threat to indigenous knowledge (Bhupendra, THT, 2004
June 22)
Collection and trade of medicinal plants to India has become a historical fact
(Shrestha, 1994; Ghimire et al., 2001). In fact, this traditional practice of trade in most
of the high hill districts of the country has become an important source of income
generation. The trade of Non-timber forest products is ancient: the earliest reference is
probably over 3000 years in Sanskrit legend Ramayan (Edwards, 1996). Since then the
1
The FRAME study - a program of USAID Jatamansi and Wintergreen value chains
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trade of plants has contributed a lot in Nepal’s economy and Olsen (1998, 1999)
estimated that 470,000 households are involved in commercial plant collection in Nepal
and the annual export value of approximately 22-70 million US$ (FAME report) has
sustained the life of vast population. At present, wild and useful medicinal plants are
highly threatened due to over and unsustainable harvesting for trade, habitat destruction,
human encroachment and application of inappropriate technologies. In order to conserve
the species that have become vulnerable, threatened and endangered various measures
are under implementation. Despite these efforts, there are still less information
regarding the uses of medicinal plants.
Several policies, development plans, acts and regulations may require periodic review
and revision that often wrangle to each other in regulating and managing NTFP resources
for people’s subsistence and commerce. The following have been the milestones for
Nepal in policy arrangement of the country encouraging promotion of NTFP resources:
Master Plan for the Forestry Sector, 1989; Industrial Enterprises Act, 1992; the Ninth
and Tenth Plan of the Forestry Sector, 2059-2064 BS, and three year Interim plan
(2007-2010) on enterprise development.
Acknowledging the sprits of Tenth Five Year Plan, the government has established
the HNCC (2002) under the chairmanship of the Minister for Forests and Soil
Conservation as a milestone in NTFP sub-sector promotion: HNCC has various mandates,
including serving as a forum for producers and buyers to make them aware of technical
know-how and existence of potential markets.
Herbs and Non-timber Forest Products Development Policy (2004) is the new policy
developed by HNCC (2002) for overall promotion of the NTFPs sub-sector in Nepal. The
policy framework is considered innovative to investors for management and sustainable
utilisation of NTFP resources. The policy has envisioned several initiatives in favour of
producers as well as traders and has sought investment from private sectors. The
government took some initiatives immediately after the policy formulation. These
initiatives are revision on royalty rates of MAPs and other NTFPs produced from private
land, revision of royalty for some NTFPs in line with the market price of the products;
and provision for bank loan facilities to farmers/ entrepreneurs. All these proactive
policies and steps taken by the government are highly appreciated by all involved in the
sub sector.
Table 1: Summary of Organisations that make up the enabling environment in regulatory and supportive functions is
NTFPs
Enterprise Organisation
Function/Activities
Company Registration Office of Company Register, Department of Cottage and Small
Industries
Collection permit/ License DFO and CFUG
Royalty Payment DFO, CFUG
Checking and verification of DFO, Range post or CFUG
quantity
Release order or transit DFO, CFUG
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permit
Local taxes District Development Committee, Municipality
Checking and endorsement Forest check-post
Export recommendation DFO (recommend concern to the Customs Office
Product verification and Department of Plant Resources (DPR) (Permission to export
export permission for processed natural products that are prohibited from export in crude
selected natural products form)
Certificate of origin Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry
(FNCCI), Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI)
Export promotion and duty Customs Office of exporting country
Import promotion and duty Customs Office of Importing country
Taxes Department of VAT, Department of Income Taxes, Department of
Customs
Market Information Trade Promotion Center (TPC), FNCCI, NCC, NGOs
Financial support Agriculture Development Bank, Commercial Bank, local
businessmen
Processing technology Department of Industries, Department of Cottage and Small
Industries, private companies, NGOs, RECAST
Resource management and DPR, DFO, NGOs
research
Source: Subedi (2004)
The possibility of policy improvements is tremendous, as NTFP tends to be a complicated
sector involving several different types of stakeholders with competing interests. Policy should be
accommodative and evolving in response to the changing conservation and economic development
needs. NTFP related policies should be thoroughly reviewed in the light of their current overall
impact over the national economy, natural resource conditions, rural livelihoods and status of
equity.
The conservation and sustainability must not be compromised but at the same time, economic
consideration for social change should be the priority. The emerging area of policy reform is the
perceptional changes of the policy makers and implementers. The conservative mindset and
cumbersome procedures must be simplified.
Some emerging areas in the field of NTFP policy are as follows:
Royalty rates: The royalty rates applied to all products should be reviewed and set more in line
with the economic impact these royalties have on the products position in the market. A clear
criterion for royalties should be developed that is transparent and linked to some reasonable
objectives. Life cycle of the plants, regeneration potential and quantity available should also to be
considered while fixing royalties.
The tariff and revenue rates should also be made taking into consideration the conditions and
commitments of the national and international conventions and agreements.
In late 2002, the government constituted a 13-member high level NTFP Promotion Board under
the Chairpersonship of the Minister of Forests and Soil Conservation. This Board has a clearly
spelled out mandate for national policy and strategy analysis and improvements for the promotion
of the NTFP sector in Nepal. It is expected that this Board would bring about radical changes in the
NTFP sector that could encourage NTFP conservation, cultivation, open, healthy and competitive
markets and promising security to industries as well as ensuring benefits to local people whose
livelihoods are dependent on and affected by this sector.
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Policy in farming, domestication extraction, harvesting, processing for value addition,

transportation and carrying should be clarified and documented. The cultivation of NTFPs should be
taken as economic activity rather than natural conservation. The dissemination of appropriate
harvesting techniques as well as credit for its promotion should be made available. Collection and
marketing of NTFPs tends to be over burdened by the regulatory measures that are difficult and
impractical to be observed even by the concerned regulatory agencies. Consequently,
unauthorized harvesting, illegal trade and export of many banned products have remained a
common practice in Nepal. The provision of taking a collection permit prior to collection in general
neither tends to be feasible nor has any significance in the part of DFOs authorized to issue the
permits. CFUGs are free to issue NTFP collection permits and to collect royalties on NTFP products.
DFOs generally have no information as to what can be collected from which part of the
government forests in what quantity in a sustainable manner. Despite the legal provision that
species example; Jatamansi, Sugandhawal, Sugandhakokila, Serpagandha, Silajit, Lothsalla (Taxus
baccata), Jhyau and Yarsa Gumba are not allowed to export without processing. Transit permits
are issued by DFOs for their transport action up to the border towns of the Terai from where they
are generally illegally exported. Regulating the collection, processing, certification and export
permit falls in the domain of a number of agencies further complicating the marketing of NTFPs
Legal Steps for Collection and Export

Requirement Issuing Agency
Collection Permit DFO/CFUG
Royalty Payment DFO/CFUG
Release (transit) Permit DFO
Local Taxes DDC
Certificate of origin FNCCI/NCC
Product Certification DPR/ DOF
Export License Department of Commerce
Export Duty Customs office
Government royalty rates for some NTFPs tend to be irresponsive to these markets. There are
different royalty rates fixed for the same plant listed under different names. Local agencies
(DDCs/VDCs) in some cases have imposed local taxes on different NTFPs and/or their derivatives
before they can be exported from respective districts. Uncoordinated taxation under the provisions
of different regulations has negative implication for the market and over those who make a living
through collection and trade of NTFPs. Such imperfect market situations encourage traders to
support the rent-seeking attitude of officials at different levels, leading to lower prices for
collectors and producers.
Table 2: Policies and initiatives for promotion of NTFP sector

SN Policy Initiative Description
1 Master Plan for Forestry Provides a 25 years policy and planning framework for the
Sector 1989 forestry sector including NTFPs as one of the primary program.
2 NTFP Development Policy This is a major government policy document related to
2062 promotion of NTFPs towards poverty reduction. The policy
highly emphasises the need of local level processing of major
herbs and medicinal plants in order to promote local
employment. Article 28 of the policy document encourages
NTFP cultivation where as article 22 emphasise the need of
government incentives to persons or groups that are involved in
NTFP cultivation and processing. Similarly, the policy document
also emphasises the need to explore local knowledge and skills
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in NTFP collections, harvesting, processing, and use.

3 Forest Policy 2002 One of the primary objectives identified by this document is the
need to develop medicinal and aromatic plants, with the aim to
increase the supply of medicinal and aromatic plants and other
non-wood products and to facilitate their conversion into useful
commodities and their distribution to local and foreign markets.
4 Forest Act 2049 and Describe in detail how the DFO should manage government
Forest Regulation 2051 forests and how CFUG’s should manage community forests. One
clause mentions that extraction should not be more than
allowable cut. It also describes how CFUG can issue collection
permits (Article 11).
5 Buffer Zone Management A potentially relevant regulation is that 30 to 50% of the
Regulation 2052 and revenues of national parks should be ploughed back into the
related amendments buffer zone management, from which local CFUGs can benefit.
6 National Conservation Major objectives are:
Strategy (NCS) 1) to satisfy the basic material, spiritual and cultural needs of
the people – present and future
2) ensure sustainable use of resources
3) maintain biological diversity in order to maintain and improve
the variety of yields, the quality of crops and variety of wild
species (plants and animals)
4) to maintain essential ecological and life-support systems,
such soil regeneration, nutrient recycling and the protection and
cleansing of water and air
7 Nepal Environmental Further refinement of the NCS. It seeks to institutionalise
Policy and Action Plan environmental protection in the development process. (NEPAP-I
1995, and NEPAP-II 1996)
8 Nepal Biodiversity This is a sectoral strategy to promote the conservation and
Strategy (NBS), 2002 sustainable use of bio-diversity
9 Tenth plan of the Encourages private investor by simplifying the taxation system,
forestry sector sales, and distribution. Creates a role for government as a
facilitator, catalysts, and regulator in the process of overall
NTFP development. Highlights the need for entrepreneurs in
acquiring loan from commercial banks.
10 Industrial Enterprises Encourages the overall economic development of the country by
act, 1992 supporting industrial enterprises in a competitive manner.
11 Sustainable This is the latest policy level conservation initiative of the
Development Agenda of Government of Nepal, with 21 broad goals. These include
Nepal (SDAN), 2003 participation, building on existing plans and processes, paying
clear attention to environmental and development priorities. It
provides guidance towards improving and expanding existing
policies and strategies to bring about substantial impact. It also
aims to raise awareness on sustainable development, enhance
participation of all stakeholders, integrate Agenda 21 locally,
and promote environmental governance at all levels.
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3. Study Design
Before the study was commenced detail survey planning was done with the following
details.
3.1. Purpose of the study
Triphala is among the most common formulas used in Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine
(TAM). Three ingredients of Triphala namely are Harro (Terminalia Chebula) Barro
(Terminalia Belerica) and Amla (Emblica Officinalis). Triphala is mentioned throughout
the ancient literature of Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic alterative and gentle aperient,
highly prized for its ability to regulate the processes of digestion and elimination. Used
by itself or in formulation, Triphala plays an essential role in the treatment of a wide
variety of conditions.
Triphala is commonly available as a churna, a finely sieved powder that can be mixed
with water, ghee (clarified butter) or honey. There are many methods of preparing
Triphala however, including medicated oils, decoctions, confections, and natural
fermentations (asava/arishta). Triphala is regarded as an important rasayana in
Ayurvedic medicine. Medicines of the rasayana group are believed to promote health,
immunity, and longevity. According to Ayurveda, they strengthen all tissues of the body,
prevent aging, promote intellect, and prevent disease.
Discussion was carried out in field level with relevant stakeholders (Forest Users,
DFCC officials and NTFP networks) about the possibility of Triphala production. The
ingredients are found in CFM, CF and national forest of central Terai whereas also Amla
plantation was also found in private land. Based on these discussions, SNV central Terai
portfolio decided to carry out the feasibility study on Triphala production enterprise
development in Central Terai area.
3.2. Study design, methodology and approaches
The overall objective is to carry out a detailed feasibility study on the Triphala production
and enterprise development in central Terai area. Other specific objectives of this study
include:
Explore supply and demand trend of Triphala in Nepal

Explore availability of Haro, Baro and Amla in Central Terai
Explore the local producers or small farmer of three species
Technology and investment required for a Triphala enterprise
Suggest operation and management modality of the enterprise
Explore the market chain and potential company willing to market or become co-
investor
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3.3. Expected outcomes from the study

Overall outcome is detail feasibility study report for establishment of community owned
Triphala production in central Terai area after in depth analysis with feasibility on
technical, financial and resource availability factors. The report will also cover other
details as follows:
Assessment of technical, social, financial, and resource availability for feasibility

of Triphala enterprise. For resource availability three ingredients Harro, Barro and
Amala will be estimated, For production of Triphala required technology
(equipment and machinery) will be explored and its financial estimation .
Market assessment with demand and supply of Triphala in Nepal
Conceptual guidelines recommended for operation and management of Triphala
production enterprise.
Explore potential interested company willing to market or jointly invest with
community owned enterprise,
Assessment of current support service and service delivery from different
agencies
Study areas:
The study locations are central Terai area from Dhanusha to Chitwan, which covers 8
districts: Chitwan, Makwanpur, Bara, Parsa, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Mahottari and Dhanusa.
However, in Kathamndu and other near by locations where traders and manufacturing
companies are located is also taken into consideration.
Study districts
CHINA
Kathmandu
Chitwan
Makwanpur
Parsa
INDIA Bara
Sarlahi
Rautahat
Mohattari
Dhanusha
Survey tools and methods adopted:
Brief interaction with each District Forest Office, NTFP networks, DFCC office of
eight districts for understanding dynamics of Triphala business from production of
three products namely Harro, Barro and Amla at the producer’s level, local level
collectors, district traders and finally the manufacturing company. Interviews will
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help us to identify the tentative locations where the three ingredients for
producing Triphala.
Interviews with the help of questionnaire/checklist with local level collectors
FGD with the CFUGs, and other local community producers to assess their
existing capacity to operate Triphala enterprise
Interviews with the district level collectors and existing Triphala manufacturer.
Interviews with business service providers: Government, NGOs, INGOs, private
etc.
Study sample:
The following samples were identified for the feasibility study:
Local producers or small farmers and community users group

Local collectors
District and national traders
Ayurvedic manufacturing company
Service providers: DFO, DFCC, NTFP promotion network
Approach:
Interaction with the NTFP Networks of Dhanusha, Bara, Makwanpur and Sarlahi
and SNV lead advisor
Desktop study and analysis
Stakeholders' consultations and discussions
Organise field level workshop at field level with active participation from
government authorities, business enterprises/private sector, CFUGs and their
networks, DFO, DFCC etc.
Assessment of resources (Haro Baro and Amala) availability in CFM, CF and
National forest and private plantation in central Terai
Exploration of technology required in Triphala production
Financial analysis
Page: 16 / 67
4. Products description (Harro, Barro and Amala)

Ayurvedic formulations are made from in the form of churna, lehya, gutika, rasayans,
2
ointment, oil etc. These formulations could be made from either Sastriya (classical)
which is well tested with right combination of ingredients or by new formulation with
innovation by adding new ingredients but it has to be tested which can be proprietary.
Use of modern technology in the manufacturing process like grinding, crushing, mixing,
tableting, and packing are done to prepare Triphala churna mostly used as a good
digestive powdered medicine.
4.1. Product details
Triphala (Three fruits: Harro, Barro and Amala)

Triphala is commonly available as a churna, a finely sieved powder that can be mixed
with water, ghee (clarified butter) or honey. Not only does Triphala help to detoxify and
cleanse the colon, it also purifies the blood and removes toxins from the liver. Other
cleansing benefits of Triphala include reducing some forms of cholesterol (serum
cholesterol), and reduces high blood pressure. Triphala is categorized as a purgative
form of laxative. As Triphala is known as a cleaning agent, including a blood cleanser,
the herb is very beneficial for these people. The herb also has a high nutritional value,
and Amala possesses including high levels of vitamin C.
Action:
1) It can help to Normalizes blood pressure and protects and improves liver function.
2) I t can inhibits HIV and Reduces tumors in animals, and reduce cholesterol.
Triphala, said to contain three different 'fruits
Amala (Amalaki, Emblica officinalis) Harro (Haritaki, Terminalia chebula)
The fruits, Harro, Barro and Amla relate to the three sections of medicine. Harro, which
is bitter tasting, is best known for its laxative qualities as well as being an astringent and
2
Formulation developed from the ancient Kabiraj
Page: 17 / 67
antispasmodic. Amala, which is high in Vitamin C (20 times more than citrus fruit) is
sour tasting and is considered good for inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
Because of its high vitamin content, Triphala is often used as a food supplement as
vitamins are in Western countries. In fact, the benefits of this herb are so well known
that a well-known Indian saying goes like this: "You do not have a mother? Don't worry,
as long as you have Triphala in your life!"
In recent years, a number of research

studies have found new uses for this herb,
including treatment for various forms of cancer.
It is also found to have high antioxidant
qualities, and is even useful for treatment
against noise and stress induced conditions.
Health benefits:
Every day consumption of Triphala helps in Barro (Vibhitaka, Terminalia belerica)
achieving normal appetite, proper digestion,
enhances the red blood cells production,
increases the hemoglobin, and is very effective in curbing the extra fat accumulating in
the body. Triphala acts as agent that helps in proliferation of certain bacteria that are
required for proper digestion in our intestines. It is also very helpful in curbing infections
in the body and purifies blood.
Benefits:
Colon cleaner
Intestine cleaner
Better circulation
Opens the bile duct
Improves peristaltic movements
Urinary tract toner
Liver protector
Kidney protector
Indications:
Digestive disorders
Constipation
Hyperacidity
Headaches
Infections
Blood impurity
Anti-inflammatory
Nervine weakness
General body weakness
Page: 18 / 67
Eyes related problems

Cataract
Parasites
Worms
Colitis
Flatulence
High Cholesterol
Irritable bowel syndrome
Diverculosis
Aging
Description
Amala:
It is a medium sized deciduous tree. Leaves
pinnate, leaflets small, sub-sssile, 9-12 mm
long, pale green, stipules minutes. Flowers
greenish yellow, racemed on the branches,
male flowers many, female flowers few. Fruit
obscurely 6-lobed.
Altitude range: 150 – 1400 m

Horizontal distribution: Western, Central and Eastern parts of Nepal
Flowering period: March – June
Fruiting period: October - February
Parts used: Root bark, bark, leaves, fruits
Application Fresh and dried fruits, juice, powder, leaf decoction
Chemical constituents: A vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and alkaloid phyllembin, tannin seed
contains fixed oil, phosphatides.
Use: Root bark is astringent, and is used in ucerative stomatitis, and gastrohelicosis.
Bark is useful in gonorrhea, jaundice, diarrhoea and myalgia. leaves are useful in
conjunctivities, inflammation, dyspepsia, diarrhoea and dysentery. Fruits are sour,
astringent, acrid, colling, refrigerant, diurectic, laxative, opthalmic. they are rich source
of Vitamin C, useful in haemorrhage, diarrhoea and dystenery, in combination with iron
used for anemia, jaundice, dyspepsia, colic, flatulence,
hyperacidity, peptic ulcer, skin diseases, leprosy,
leucorrhoea, menorrhagia. Amala is locally used for making
pickles, Titaura and Mada
Harro:
Large deciduous tree, 24-30 m high. leaves 7.6 - 15.2 cmm

long, ovate or elliptic, acute, petioled. flowers all
hermaphrodite, sellsile, dull-white or yellow. Fruit 1.8 - 3.3
cm ellipsoidal or obovoid from a broad base and gladbrous,
Page: 19 / 67
5-ribbled when dry.

Parts used: Fruit
Application: Ripe/half ripe exocarp, extract-Tannins, Chebulagic acid, chebulinic acid
Use:
fruits are bitter, astringent, tonic, laxative, purgetive, carminative, digestive, alternative,
anodyne, anthelmintic, cardiotonic, aphrodisiac, antiseptic, febriguge and tonic. They are
useful in dysentery, diarrhoea, local application for chronic ulcer and wounds, gargle in
stomatitis, gastropathy, jaundice, splenopathy, cough, uropathy, vesical and renal
calcutieplepsy, skin diseases, leprosy, cardiac disorders, neuropathy, piles, ascites,
hoarseness of voice, and blood pressure and general debility. They cure local swelling
and eye diseases, chronic and recurrent fever, anaemia, diabetes, cough and dysponea.
Barro
Large tree, 18-24 m tall. Leave

alternative, 7.6 - 20 cm long, petioled.
Uppers flower of the spikes male, lower
one harmaphrodite, male flower sessile,
greenish yellow. Fruit 12 - 18.7 mm in
diameter, globular, suddenly narrowed
into a short stalk, smooth, covered by a
close fulvous tomentum and when dried
obscurely 5-angled.
Parts used: Bark, fruits

Application ripe/half ripe exocarp, kernal,
extract: beta-sitosterol, gallic acid, ellagic acid, chebulagic acid
Use: Bark is diuretic, useful in anaemia and leucoderma. fruis are bitter, astringent, tonic,
laxative, purgetive, antipyretic, narcotic, styptic, anthelmintic, aperient, expertorant,
opthalmic, digestive, useful in dropsy, diarhoea, leprosy, biliousness, dyspepsia,
headache, skin diseases, leprosy, fever, ulcer, insomnia, pharyngtis, cough and
bronchitis. Kernal is narcotic.
Ingredients:
1. Amala - Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)

2. Harro - Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula)
3. Barro - Bhibitaki (Beleric myrobalan)
Dosage: 2 to 3 times twice daily with luke warm water or warm milk.
Packaging:
Available in churna, tablet and juice

Mostly packed in a plastic bottle in different sizes i.e., 120 gm, 500 gm etc.
Page: 20 / 67
Triphala Product forms:
Terminalia Chebula
(Haritaki)
Triphalal Churna
Triphala Tablets
4.2. Cultivation and harvesting
Plantation season of Harro, Barro and Amala is more or less is suitable in the following
months:
Harro: December / January / February

Barro: March until July
Amala March until July/August
Harvesting season of Harro, Barro and Amala is more or less is suitable in month starting
from October until March. Amala is harvested by spreading net under the Amala tree and
group of people climb the tree with a big stick to move the branches so that the fruits
fall down in the net. Usually if the fruits fall down in the ground people do not collect and
will be wastage.
4.3. Processing
Harro, Barro and Amala are available in the community forest and private land, which is
harvested in the suitable month and dried without moisture, contents (directly in the
sun). Nowadays for uniform and speed-up the drying process solar dryers are also used.
Amala is usually boiled with water and after removing seed from its pulp, it then dried.
Seeds are removed manually from Harro and Barro after it is dried. Seed is hard
substance and difficult to remove manually with stone or hard substance. After it is dried
properly, only outer bark is used to prepare powder with the help of pulverize machine.
Page: 21 / 67
Different sieve size are used in the pulverize machine to get graded size of powder. For
proper mixing, equal quantity of three Triphala ingredients is either placed in the
machine or can also be individually powdered and mixed it later separately. The powder
Triphala is packaged in an airtight pet container or plastic pack. For marketing of the
product, it is then labeled. Triphala churna processing flow chart is described below with
simple few steps.
Harvesting of Harro, Barro

and Amala
- Drying of Harro & Barro and

boiling of Amala before drying
- Remove seed
Separate only outer bark

removing seed
Wastage after Grinding
Transport dried Harro, Barro

and Amala up to the factory
Mix in equal quantity of

Harro, Barro and Amala
before putting into pulverize
machine.
Pulverize machine
with 10 Horse Power
Prepare Triphala Powder by
using proper sieve size in
the pulverize machine.
Packaging, Labeling and

Marketing
Figure: Triphala processing flow chart
Page: 22 / 67
5. Supply and demand of Triphala in Nepal

Supply and demand of Triphla is projected based on the interactions with the various
individual and institutional people involved in the promotion of Triphala business.
5.1. Triphala supply
In Nepal Triphala churna are supplied from National level manufacturers, small scale
processors at the local level, importers mostly from India and it reaches consumers
through commercial wholesalers/retailers and 289 Ayurvedic Ausadhalayas which is
operated by Government of Nepal.
People usually visit Ayurvedic hospitals and Triphala supply sources in Nepal
after receiving prescription from the doctors, National level manufacturing in Nepal
they will purchase medicine from the Small scale processors
Ayurvedic medical store. There are approx. Imports mostly from India
900 registered retail shops in Nepal.
Government also freely provides Triphala from the Ayurvedic service center available in
regional, district and VDCs. There are 14 regional Ayurvedic, 61 district Ayurvedic health
services and 214 Ayurvedic Ausadhalaya, which amounts to 289 Ayurvedic service,
centers in Nepal. Detail information about Ausadhalya is provided below.
Regional: Mid-west,
1. Narayani, Hetauda, Makwanpur -2
2. Janakpur, Janakpurdham, Dhanusha – 7
Table 3: District: District Ayurvedic health service center

S.N. District Location Contact Number
1 Makwanpur Hetauda 057-520681
2 Sarlahi: Malagwa -4 046-520445
3 Parsa: Birgunj -3 051-527710
4 Bara Kalaiya – 2 053550545
5 Rautahat: Chandranighapur -3 055-540410
6 Mahottari: Jalashwor – 5 044-520329
7 Chitwan Tandi -6 056-560470
Table 4: Ayurvedic aysadhalayas in the districts:

S.N. District VDC
1 Makwanpur Kakada
2 Sarlahi: Haripur, Kodena, Kabilasi
3 Parsa: Raniganj and Bahuarwamada
4 Bara Simrangad
5 Rautahat: Pipara and Basantapur
6 Mahottari: Balawa, Parsadewar, Matihani,
Manara
Page: 23 / 67
Production of Triphala in Nepal

There are approx. 40 national registered and 28 International registered ayurvedic
medicine-manufacturing companies in Nepal. There are 37 importers of ayurvedic
medicine mainly from India. Triphala churna reaches consumers or patients from the
main distributor to the regional distributor then to the wholesaler and finally to the
retailers. In Nepal, there are approx. 900 ayurvedic retail shops. Established Ayurvedic
companies both national and international such as Singha Durbar Vaidya Khana (130
years old), Dabur (140 years old), Himalaya (40 years old), Baidhyanath etc. have a
long history. Mostly all Ayurvedic companies had spent many years to establish their
name.
It is very difficult to estimate actual quantity of Triphala churna production in Nepal

due to difficultly in gathering actual production quantity from various manufacturing
companies in Nepal and other international producers and importers. Additionally, the
supply channel is not transparent and unorganized. However, production of Triphala is
estimated based on the interaction with the manufacturing companies. Manufacturing
companies are divided into two types, one who is manufacturing Triphala more than 10
tons (Gorkha3, Dekha, Sri Krishna, Fluer Himalaya etc.) and others (small factories) in
average of 3 tons. With this assumption, domestic production of Triphala is estimated to
be not more than 150 tons. Other international manufacturing companies and importers
are also locally producing and importing Triphala mostly Dabur, Baidyanath, Ghandu,
Patanjali Pith and, Dibya are the Indian companies involved in Triphala production, which
is estimated to be not more than 100 tons.
Table 5: List of National Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturing Companies
S.N. Name Address
1. Siddhartha Jadibuti Udyog Satungal, Kathmandu
2 Himalayan Special Herbals Industries Gothatar, Kathmandu
3 Dekho Herbals, Dhapakhel, lalitpur
4 Mahakali Ayurvdeic Udyog Sarankot, Kaski
5 Shree Gyawali Ayurvedic Butwal
6 N. N. Herbal Industries Pvt. Ltd. Thankot, Kathmandu
7 Sagarmatha Ayurvedic Aausadi Udyog Nayapati, Laltipur
8 Ampaco laboratories Pvt. Ltd Janakpur
9 Nilam Medicine Industries Pvt. Ltd Kathmandu
10 Pokhereli Ayurvedic Udyog Pokhara
11 Herbal Medi-search Pharmaceutical Rautahat
12 Singhadurbur Vaidhyakhana Kathmandu
13 Jibandata Ayurved Udyog Lalitpur
14 Pandit Ayurved Udyog Butwal
15 Niko Ayurved Pvt. Ltd. Kathmandu
16 Suri Herbal Product Thimi, Bhaktapur
17 Chakra Home Ayurvedic Pharmacy Lalitpur
18 Lumbini Ayurvedic Pharmacy Butwal
3
Gorkha Ayurvedic company requires 5 tons of Amala, 4 tons of Harro and 3 tons of Barro
Page: 24 / 67
19 Siddha Ayurvedic Pharmacy Pvt. Ltd. Rupendehi

20 Gorkha Ayurvedic Udyog Gorkha
21 Aarogya Bhawan Works Kathmandu
22 Dabur Nepal Birgunj
23 Shree Krishna Ausadhalaya Kathmandu
24 Herbs Production and Processing Co. Ltd. Kathmandu
25 Himalayan Herbal Preparation Jorpati, Kathmandu
26 Jyoti Beda Pharma, Birgunj
27 Himal Herbal Product, Kathmandu
28 Chandra Ayurved Bhawan Birgunj
29 Shree Sita Ayurved Centre Birgunj
30 Nikhil Ayurved Centre Birgunj
31 Pashupati Ayurved Ausadhalaya Rautahat
32 Fluer Himalaya Birgunj
33 Kunfen aausadi Udyog Paknajol, Kathmandu
Source: Medicine Department, Teku
Table 6: List of International Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturing Companies

S.N. Name Address
1. Ajanta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Aurangabad, India
2 Rudradev Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Gurgara, India
3 Om Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Madrashroad Bangalore
4 Shree Dhuta Papeshwor Ltd. Mumbai, India
5 Dabur India Ltd. Delhi, India
6 Shree Baidhyanath Ayurved Bhawan Ltd. India
7 Deshrakshak Aushadhalaya Haridwar, India
8 Patiyala Ayurvedic Pharmacy Shirhind, India
9 Chakra Pharmaceuticals Ltd. India
10 Growel Pharmaceuticals Lucknow, India
11 Ozone Ayurvedic Delhi, India
12 Ban laboratories Ltd. India
13 Shree Thanaeshwor Ayurvedic and Pharmaceuticals, Samastipur, India
14 Herbal (Aps) Panta, India
15 Zandu Pharmaceuticals Works Mumbai, India
16 Sandu Brothers Mumbai, India
17 The Himalaya Drug company Ltd. Bangalore, India
18 Amil Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Delhi, India
19 Rama Drug House Mathura, India
20 Bikash Pharma Sahadra, Delhi, India
21 Ayurvedic Bikash Sansthan Moradabad, India
22 Mudgal Ayurved Bhawan Gajiabad, India
23 Biotech Pharma Jayapur, India
24 Herbophama Madras, India
25 Hirawat Industries Pharmaceuticals India
26 Seth Brothers, Bhawanagar, India
27 Bhushan Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. Delhi, India
28 Laxmi Aushdhalaya Begusarajm, India
Source: Medicine Department, Teku
Page: 25 / 67
5.2. Demand
It is said by the retailers, traders and manufacturers that the Triphala churna is one of
the highly consumable Ayurvedic medicine item, which is used for multiple purposes by
all consumers. Triphala churna demand in Nepal shall be estimated based on the
production by 40 manufacturers and is mostly reached to the consumers through 289
Nepal Govt. Ayurvedic Aushdhalaya and retail shops. Government has been supplying in
average of 10 kilogram of Triphala churna in a year to all its Aushdhalaya, which will be
prescribed by doctors and distributed free. However, its demand is more than that is
supplied which can be estimated 100 Kilogram in each its Aushdhalaya. Government has
also supplied pulverize machine with capacity of 100 kg per day which is used to locally
produce Triphala and other required medicines.
National consumption of Triphala is very high and its actual data is not known. The
reason behind is Amala is maximum used in Chawanpras, and other Ayurvedic products.
5.3. Import and Export

Triphala is available in small quantities in Nepal and it is imported in approx. 2,000 tons
(200 trucks, can carry 10 tons in each load) annually from India by national level traders.
Around 20 big national level traders are involved in this business from the past many
years importing approx. of 20 trucks with 10 tons in each load. The imported raw
materials are partially consumed by the national level manufacturing companies and
rests are exported to China. The reason behind importing from India are due to the
reason that it is cost effective, has regular shape and size, of good quality that is
accepted by the buyers, tax free item etc.
However, there are export figures estimated by the Government that is about 800
tons of raw materials are exported from Nepal from Nepalgunj and Kakarvita border but
this figure is actually low.
Table 7: Collection of raw Triphala (Harro, Barro and Amala)

Product Quantity in Kg
2058/59 2059/60 2060/61 2062/63 2063/64 2064/65
Harro 5530 11170 911 0 6100 0
Barro 320 5821 95 0 34050 1500
Amala 41338 528833 78472 28792 52078 148992
Total 47,188 545,824 79,478 28,792 92,228 150,492
Source: Department of Forest, Reflects only export data of raw Triphala products of revenue paid by the traders
The above table shows that the collection of Triphala from the forest areas are depleting
and mostly Amala is only available. Amala is also collected from the private cultivated
land and its data is not available which is sold immediately from the garden.
Table 8: Amala export in a year 2063/64

Country Export Quantity in MT
Belgium 2.16
Page: 26 / 67
India (Bhairawa) 0.3

India (Nepalgunj) 178
Source: Trade promotion
Table 9: Harro/Barro export (Year 2063/64)

Country Export Quantity in MT
China 55
Japan 0.1
Source: Trade promotion
The above table (6 and 7) shows figures of Harro, Barro and Amala export data, which
actually does, not gives the total export figures as mostly it is exported illegally from
different channels. From the table 5 productions of Harro and Barro is almost nil where
as table 7 shows some export figures which is contracting as mostly all Harro and Barro
are imported from India which is exported to mostly China.
Page: 27 / 67
6. Availability of Raw materials

Triphala is mostly available in the Chure and Siwalak areas of Nepal in the community
forest, national forest and in small quantity in the private land. Due to high demand of
raw Amala, farmers have started cultivating in their gardens as a cash crop. In Sarlahi
district Triphala is available in the Kalika Community Forest (1,500 plants). It is
observed that nobody is interested to cultivate Harro and Barro in the private land but
interested in the community forest. In case, if anyone is needed with saplings it is
available in few quantities (max of 100) immediately but for sufficient quantities, it
should be booked in advance. For seeds, it cost Rs. 300 per kg and for Sapling Rs. 3 per
piece. In Makwanpur district, NTFP network office distributed 500 saplings (Cost of
saplings is Rs. 2,500 purchased from Joshi Nursery at Rs 8 each) to the community
farmers which was made available from district Plant and Resources (Banaspati) office in
the month of June/july 2009. In Bara, there is Amala cultivation through DDC/LDF in
Halkhoriya CFM area.
6.1. Availability in Community forest, National Forest and private

cultivation
Collection of Harro and Barro are very nominal and there are no collectors actually
visiting forests just only to collect them. However, when they are in the forest to collect
other high value herbs and if they find Harro and Barro in some place, they collect them
as an additional. In contrast, there are collectors just only for Amala. Amala is said to be
sold very immediately in the market at the higher price then Harro and Barro due to its
use in multiple products. Amala has cultural values in the Terai districts, during the
month of November people celebrate by having food under the tree of Amala along with
the Amala pickle and then soon after harvesting of Amala is done. In the central terai
areas there are 463 CFUG with 89,343 HH involvement (refer table no. 10) in NTFP
collection and trade. Very few households are involved in collection of Triphala.
Availability of Triphala in the four study districts VDCs are provided in the table no. 10 &
11.
There is difficulty in regular collection due to availability of Triphala in scattered

locations, which makes this process economically not viable. Moreover, in some places if
it is available in required quantity then there will be difficulty in logistic supply by asking
for regular Government as well as unexpected taxes at different check posts. On the
other hand, there is no guarantee that the collected Harro and Barro will be sold in the
market.
Table 10: Community Forest User Group in central terai districts

S.N. District No. of FUG Area No. of HH
1 Makwanpur 273 42415 44454
2 Bara 13 1818 4138
3 Chitwan 24 9293 12652
4 Dhanusha 29 8032 4806
5 Mahottari 53 1150 8878
6 Parsa 25 102 3484
7 Rauthat 15 1050 3945
8 Sarlahi 31 2940 6986
Page: 28 / 67
Total 463 66,800 89,343

Source: Community Forestry Division, DOF, CFUG database records in MIS
Total No. of FUG 14,439

Total Area 1,229,669
Total No. of HH 1,659,775
Table 11: Royalty rates

Product Royalty rate in Rs. per kg
Harro Rs. 2
Barro Rs. 2
Amala Rs. 1
Total Rs, 5
Source: Department of Forest
Table 12: Triphala available VDCs in four districts

S.N. District VDC
1 Dhanusha: Godar, Pushalpur , Dhalkebar, Hariharpur, Umaprempur, Bhartpur,
Labatoli
2 Makwanpur: Handikhola, Basamadi, Padampokhari, churiyamai, Faparbari, Hatiya,
Manhari
3 Sarlahi: Karmaiya, Janakinaar, Pattharkot, Lalbandi, Parwanipur, Kalinjor,
Raniganj, Ishworpur, Bhaktipur
Murtiya, Bhaktipur, Gourishankar
4 Bara: Manaharwa, Dumarabana, Katarwa, Bangardaha, Dakaha, Nijgad
Source: Field visit interaction
During the field visit, following information were gathered on availability of Triphala:
In Bara, Dunurbana -7, Katarwa tole, Kishan Samudayaik Sansta was formed in a
year 2060 B.S through village development committee. 29 members including
one president and one manager were involved in a group. With support from
District Soil Conservation Office (DSCO), Bara supported them by providing 250
seedlings of Amala. The seedlings were bought from Mankamana nursery, Bara
and the height of the seedlings at the time of plantation reported were 1 feet.
Few trees started to fruit in the third year of plantation. It was reported that
flowering of Amala plants is from January to April (Magh to Chaitra) and
harvesting season is from July to November (Shravan to kartik). Group is
expecting to get Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 cash income. Similarly, in Srijana
Samuddyik Sanstha 850 seedlings were distributed.
In Bara- Amala plantation in Katarwa tole of Dumarbana – 7. There are two

groups who are actively involved in Amala cultivation – Kisan Samudayak
Sanstha (2060/08/2) formed through village development programme/local
developmet fund of DDC, Bara
Srijana Samukayik Sanstha was formed in a year 2058 through contribution from
village development programme/local development fund of DDC, Bara, is actively
involved in promotion of Triphala.
Page: 29 / 67
Sristi Forest conservation group initiated in a year 2065 B.S with the District
forest office in Bara for plantation of 850 seedlings of Amala in degraded forest
areas (Spacing 3 m X 3 m) with support from BISEP-ST /DSCO, Bara. This will
help to generate income to the farmers.
Table 13: Availability of Harro, Barro, Amala in the district

Triphala Quantity available in the district (Tons) Total
ingredients
Dhanusha Sarlahi Bara Makwanpur4
Harro 5 2 4 3 14
Barro, 5 10 4 3 22
Amala 1 8 20 15 44
Total 11 20 28 21 80
Note: Quantity of Triphala available in the district is estimated based on the interaction with the district traders
and other stakeholders and so may not provide accurate data.
From the table it can be projected that minimum of 80 tons of Harro, Barro and Amala is
available in the four districts. In average per hectare, 3,600 kg of Triphala is collected
and so it can be assumed that approx. in 23 hectare of land Triphala would have planted.
Nurseries available in the study areas are:

1. Chamkila Tara, Murtiya, Sarlahi
2. Joshi Nursery, Makwanpur
3. Mankamana Nursery, Bara
4
Mr. Madhav Gautam, Makwanpur, President,NTFP Network said that they can supply more than 15 tons of Triphala in a year
Page: 30 / 67
7. Triphala Enterprise Analysis

7.1. Technical Feasibility
Triphala churna can be prepared by flowing very simple procedure as shown the flow
chart. Processing of Triphala churna can be very easily prepared with limited investment
of approximately Rs. 250,000 with Pulverize and Packaging machine. 10 to 15 kg per
day can be processed by the pulverize machine. Additional machines required are seed
extractor, which cost approx. Rs. 125,000 and Humidifier, but such machines are
required only when processing in done at large quantity. Triphala churna can be easily
prepared at home by equally mixing powder of Harro, Barro and Amala. Refer detail
Triphala preparation procedure.
In spite of simple procedure in preparing Triphala churna it has many hurdles in

processing and marketing.
Nepal has signed an agreement of WTO, which has made mandatory to comply
with GMP rules and standards.
Triphala churna is an Ayurvedic medicine, which can be, only prepared under
direct supervision of Kabiraj and small processing unit cannot afford to hire them
in a long run.
Already in the market there are 40 domestic manufacturers and 37 internal
manufacturers and imports producing similar product at competitive price rage
which has created entry barrier.
All Ayurvedic companies have long history before they are well know to the
consumer e.g. Dabur 140 years, Himalaya 40 years, Baidyanath etc., so it is very
ambitious to achieve and meet the expectation of target market within very short
time frame.
7.2. Social Feasibility
Small value addition activities in terms of harvesting technology, drying and packaging
will help the small farmers and other local people rather than investing in a big amount
in processing unit. It is estimated that up to Rs. 7 per kg could be fetched by small value
addition. There are 463 community forest users group
with households of 89,343 and area of 66,800 Hectares.
These community forest users group are more or less
involved in harvesting of NFTPs will be directly benefited
from the promotion of Triphala enterprise. And mostly
marginalized women are involved in harvesting and
processing.
Women are involved in cleaning and

Ethinic poor community people (Yadav, dhanukh, grading of dried Triphala before it is
processed into powder form
Khatabe, Kami, Tamang, B.K, Sunar, Danwar etc.) are
involved in collection and cultivation of Triphala.
Page: 31 / 67
Individual community poor farmers or individuals are involved in harvesting of

Triphala. 75 people are involved directly from Sirpur, Murtiya and Prawanipur community
forest user’s group members. In Dhanusha district, 200 people are involved in
harvesting. In Hadi Khola of Makwanpur approx. 300 women are involved but not only in
Triphala. In plantation, local farmers and community forest users are involved. In Bara,
Nijgad and Sapahi there are 150 community people involved in collection of Amala. All
these collectors do not have formal linkages with the market traders and mostly sells to
unknown people whoever comes in their villages.
7.3. Economic Feasibility

Triphala churna is one of the mostly consumed Ayurvedic medicines in Nepal due to its
multiple benefits and consumers are gradually attracted towards Ayurvedic medicine.
Even though actual data of annual consumption status of Nepal is not available, it can be
assumed that its annual demand had never been met from domestic production (source:
interaction with the manufacturing companies and traders). Out of the forty registered
Ayurvedic manufacturing companies, only few are popular in the market for its superior
quality with their annual production quantity of more than 10 tons and others are
manufacturing in a low scale of average 3 tons are also doing well in their own niche
market segment. For every company Triphala is a very basic product with very low
margins but it is mandatory to produce for its brand identity and customer
responsiveness.
The study team identified very few (2 to 3) small-scale individual people in the study
districts producing Triphala powder in a very small quantity not exceeding 100 kg per
year. Mr. Laxmi P. Gautam is a Vice President of NTFP Network, Lalbandi, Sarlahi who is
one of them producing Triphala in an average of 100 kg in year. He started producing
Triphala powder by not only mixing Harro, Barro and Amala but has his own formulation
by adding few more herbal ingredients and tested with few people suffering from
constipation and stomach patients. He claims that his formulation can cure people
suffering from ulcer. People are now slowly realizing its benefiting and he is now having
customers from near by areas visiting his home to purchase medicine. He takes very
good margin by selling at a price of Rs. 50 for 50 gram packed in a plastic pouch. In
addition to that, he collects approx. of 4 tons of raw Harro, Barro and Amala from the
collectors and sells to the district level traders or sometime to the Ayurvedic shops in the
Kathmandu valley.
Consumer perception:
Ayurvedic products are mostly expires after 5 years. Mostly raw materials from Nepal are
exported to India and with the same raw materials; final processed products are entered
in the Nepalese markets. By the time it reaches the final consumers it nearly reaching
expire date.
Page: 32 / 67
Raw materials cost:

Triphala ingredients collected from the forest is sold to the local traders either in a dry or
raw.
Table 14: Cost of Raw Triphala (Harro, Barro and Amala)
Raw Product Selling price Quantity from
in Rs. per kg each plant
Harro 5 500 – 600 kg.
Barro 5 500 – 600 kg.
Amala 15 100 – 150 kg.
Table 15: Cost of Dry Triphala (Harro, Barro and Amala)

Dry Selling price Quantity from
Product in Rs. per kg each plant
Harro 20 20 – 30 kg
Barro 15 30-35 kg
Amala 30 10-15 kg.
Product packaging and its market price:

Triphala is available in the pet bottle, plastic pouch and loose in different quantity
packaging i.e. 100 gm, 120 gm, 500 gm and 1 kg. Maximum retail price range of Nepali
brand Triphala churna with pet bottle for 100 gm is usually from Rs. 35 to Rs. 40. Where
as for Indian brand with pet bottle for 100 gm is costing from Rs. 50 to Rs. 60. In the
market following brands of Triphala are available in the market (International: Dabur,
Jhandu, Himalaya, Baidhyanath and Nepali: Gorkah, Singha Durbar, Dekha etc.)
Table 16: Maximum Retail Price of different popular available Nepali brand and sizes are follows:
SN. Available brand Sizes (gm) Amount in Rs.

1 Grokha 125 41
300 97
2 Dekha 100 50
200 90
3 Singha Durbar 100 32
200 80
4 Siddha 100 n/a

200
5 Pashupati 100 n/a

200
6 Arogya Bhawan 100 n/a
200
7 Fluer Himalaya 60 22
Table 17: Maximum Retail Price of different popular available International brand and sizes are follows:
SN. Available brand Sizes (gm) Amount in Rs.
1 Dabur 120 45
500 104
2 Baidyanath 60 24
200
3 Jhandu 200 64
4 Capsule 60 piece 120
5 Tablet 60 Piece 30
6 Liquid 500 ml 300
Table 18: Price of Amala, Harro and Barro in the India market, June 2006
Common / Botanical name Plant Rs./Kg
Page: 33 / 67
Trade name part Ram

Delhi Saharanpur Tanakpur
nagar
Amala Emblica officinalis Fruit 30-40 18-27 34-36 25
Harro Terminalia belirica Fruit 4-5 5-9 8-9 3
Barro Terminalia chebula Fruit 7-11 12-15 13-15 6
Table 19: Price of Triphala ingredients (Amla. Harro and Barro)

Product name Rs. per Kg
Kathmandu Delhi
Amala 45 48
Harro 24 10
Barro 18 10
Figure: Triphala churna availability in different packaging and sizes
Use and its benefits:
The three fruits Harro, Barro and Amala have multiple benefits and use. When three
fruits, powder (without seed) is mixed in equal quantity, which is popularly known as
Triphala, having multiple uses. It is also used either individual or mixed in small quantity
in many other Ayurvedic medicines for specific uses. Usually Harro is known to cure
‘Cough’, Barro for ‘constipation’ and Amala as a ‘digestive and eyesight’.
Traditionally it is recorded that during field interaction Triphala is also used as a raw
materials in Hookah used as tobacco, new innovative product to substitute tobacco
chewing habit, used in the product given to the women after birth to improve digestive
system.
Other than mixing three herbs, it is individually used in other medicine for many
purposes and especially Amala alone is used as a food i.e. pickles (Titaura), oil etc.
Quality issues:
Page: 34 / 67
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) regulation by the end of year 2010 will definitely
make the small enterprise difficulty in marketing of their goods and especially Ayurvedic
and medicinal products. The GMP is a system of quality assurance and quality control not
only for the product themselves but also for pre and post manufacturing processes to
ensure sanitation and minimization of risks inherent in food and medicinal production,
process which cannot be assessed by only testing the final products. The GMP code,
developed by the WHO was in fact the internationally harmonized system for assuring
quality and sanitary standard. Small scale processing units cannot afford to comply with
the standard.
GMP standard
The use of stainless steel equipment
Quality of processed water
Maintenance of sterile manufacturing facility
quality control
Quality requirement:
Following quality of three ingredients are recommended by the traders and
manufacturers.
Harro: Brownish and black in color, glaze, without small holes, without fungus
Barro: Fushro, Glaze, without small holes without fungus
Amala: Should be completely dried with brownish black in color, Rough surface without
fungus
Triphala supply chain:
Figure below illustrates flow of Triphala (Harro, Barro and Amala) from collectors and
farmers garden up to the consumers. Major functions in Triphala processing are
collection, drying, sorting/grading, grinding, packaging, wholesale/retail and export.
Page: 35 / 67
Export / Consumer Export

Import
Ayurvedic
Wholesale Ausadhalaya (289)
/Retail
DOA Wholesaler /
Retailer (900)
National
Traders (20)
Packaging Manufacturing
company (40)
Grinding
District Traders
Sorting (22)
/Grading
Drying Small-scale
Local Traders
processor (3)
Collection
Local Collector
Farmer’s Forest
Cultivation cultivation (Community, National, and
Leasehold)
Function Actors
Figure Supply channel of Triphala in the central Terai region
Value addition possibilities

For many years, Triphala churna has been in practice
but usually liquid medicine effectiveness is more
than in powder and tablet form. Few Indian
companies are manufacturing Triphala juice in India
and in collaboration with the Nepalese company; few
products are visible in the market. It is reported that
in the juice form can be prepared either by directly
from raw or from the Triphala extract. As the
technology is new in Nepal its technical details are
not yet available but it is roughly projected that its
machine cost around Rs, 2,000,000.
Robeus Internal Pvt. Ltd. has started marketing of

Triphala juice in Nepal through networking market
approach. Mr. Kumar Tamang, Executive Director
Triphala juice marketed by Robeus
shared the product is more efficient and innovative Company
Page: 36 / 67
than the available churna as it effect immediately in our body. Company has 32 sales
outlets with support centers with approx. 150,000 consumers. In addition to the sales
company provides basic training about health and nutrition. Product is directly procured
from the USA but in the near future they are planning to purchase in a bulk quantity in a
drum and re-packaging will be done in Nepal itself to reduce the cost of production.
Triphala is also available in the tablet and capsules from different companies.
Import and export:

Average growth rate of herbal product in the international market is 10 %. Actual
demand of Triphala is more or less is limited to 200 metric tons. Nepal has become only
an export route to transport raw Triphala from India to mainly in China and other few
more countries. Usually traders enjoy tax benefits due to non-tax item and does no
value addition in the product form except in the transportation and logistics. At present,
traders usually bring raw Triphala from India (Bihar and Patna with bulk collection at
Delhi) and through Silgudi border enters Nepal. Due to mass export, item traders usually
have 10 per cent profit margin. Current buying price for one kg Rs. 24 for Harro, 25 for
Barro and Rs. 60 for Amala. As per trader’s information, Triphala purchased from India is
50 per cent cheaper than Nepal.
Use:
Rather than mixed of three ingredients it is also used individually or mixed in other
medicines such as oil, food items – pickles, Blood pressure medicines,
7.4. Financial feasibility

Financial details are compiled from the different sources and analyzed separately for
converting into powered form and simply drying and removing seeds. In both the
process financial details are projected which is tabulated as below.
Table 20: Fixed Investment (Machine and equipment)

S.N. Particulars Unit Quantity Unit Rate (Rs.) Amount (Rs.)
A Machine and Equipments
1 Three-Phase cable wire Meter 100 60 6000
2 Meter No. 1 5000 5000
3 Meter box No. 1 500 500
4 Other electrical equipments Lump sum 8000
5 Grinding machine No. 1 30000 30000
6 Plastic vessel No. 10 500 5000
7 Weighing equipment No. 1 2500 2500
8 Nanglo No. 5 150 750
9 Sieving materials No. 5 100 500
10 Packaging machine No. 1 5250 5250
11 Big vessels (Dekchi) 8000
12 Seed extractor machine 1 150000 150000
Total A 221,500
B Furniture
Page: 37 / 67
1 Table No. 1 5000 5000

2 Chair No. 4 400 1600
Total B 6,600
Grand Total 228,100
Table 21: Depreciation of Machine and Equipments

SN Types of Machine and Equipment Value Dep. Rate Amount
A Machine & Equipment 221,500 10% 22150
B Furniture 6,600 15% 990
Depreciation per year 23140
Table 22: Maintenance Cost

SN Types of Machine and Equipment Value Rate (Rs) Amount
1 Machine & Equipments 228,100 2% 4,562
Per Year Maintenance Cost 4,562
Table 23: Indirect Labor Cost

SN Cost head Unit Quantity Period (Months) Rate (Rs) Amount (Rs)
1 Office Assistant No. 1 6 12000 72,000
2 Machine operator No. 1 6 8000 48,000
3 Market promotion No. 3 10000 30,000
Total 150,000
Table 24: Administrative and Management cost

Period Rate Per
Month
SN Cost head (Rs) Amount
1 Telephone 6 1,5 00 9,000
2 Stationery 6 500 3,000
4 House rent 12 10,000 120,000
Total 132,000
Table 25: Pre-Operating cost

SN Cost head Amount
1 Registration 8000
2 Survey 10000
3 Stationery 1500
Total 19,500
A. Triphala churna preparation
Triphala churna shall be prepared with following assumptions:

Total quantity of three tons of raw materials will be processed.
In a year only 6 months will be operated initially for few years.
Six numbers of un-skilled workers will be mobilized for sorting, grading, seed
extraction and drying activities.
Packaging will be done in pet bottle in 100 grams with labeling
Very limited promotion will be done but there will be locally promotion activities
within in the groups and community people.
Page: 38 / 67
Table 26: Details of Raw Materials and other inputs:

Harro (15 days x 10 kg): 167
Barro (26 days x 11 kg.): 167
Amala (26 days x 11 kg.): 167
Total in kg. per month 500
Total in kg. in a year 3000
SN Cost head Unit Quantity Rate (Rs) Total (Rs)
1 Harro (For churna) kg 1,000 13 13000
2 Barro (For churna) kg 1,000 10 10000
3 Amala (For churna) kg 1,000 20 20000
7 Electricity Unit 1380 20 27600
Total 70,600
Table 27: Direct Labor Cost

SN Cost head Workers Per Working Rate (Rs) Amount (Rs)
Day Days
1 Unskilled labour 6 156 120 112320
Total 112,320
Table 28: Packaging, Labeling Cost and Promotion

SN Cost head Unit Quantity Unit Rate Amount
1 Plastic bottle (100 gm) No. 30000 2 60000
2 Labeling No. 30000 0.5 15000
4 Transportation 1 10000 10000
5 Promotion 1 5000 5000
Total 90,000
Table 29: Summary of total cost:

SN Cost Head Amount (Rs)
1 Raw materials 70,600
2 Indirect labor 75,000
3 Direct labor 112,320
4 Depreciation 11570
5 Maintenance Cost 2,281
6 Administrative & management Cost 66,000
7 Packaging, Labeling and Promotion 90,000
8 Pre-operating cost 9,750
Total 437,521
Table 30: Calculation of Per Unit Production Cost

SN Particular Result
1 Total Production Cost (Rs) 437,521
2 Total Production per Kg. (Rs.) 146
3 Total Production per 100 gm 15
B. Processed raw Triphala
Complete processed raw Triphala shall be prepared with following assumptions:

Total quantity of twelve tons of raw materials will be purchased from the
community forest and other forest collectors.
In a year, only 6 months will be operated initially for few years but marketing
activities will be done through out the years.
Page: 39 / 67
Ten numbers of un-skilled workers will be mobilized for sorting, grading, seed
extraction and drying activities.
Packaging will be in jute sacks with 60 kg in each sack.
Very limited promotion will be done but there will be locally promotion activities
within in the groups and community people.
Table 31: Details of Raw Materials and other inputs

SN Cost head Unit Quantity Rate (Rs) Total (Rs)
1 Harro (For churna) kg 3,000 13 39000
2 Barro (For churna) kg 3,000 10 30000
3 Amala (For churna) kg 4,000 20 80000
7 Electricity Unit 1380 20 27600
Total 176,600
Table 32: Direct Labor Cost

SN Cost head Workers Working Rate (Rs) Amount (Rs)
Per Day Days
1 Unskilled labour 10 156 120 187200
Total 187,200
Table 33: Packaging, Labeling Cost and Promotion

SN Cost head Unit Quantity Unit Rate Amount
1 Sacks No. 167 50 8333
2 Transportation 10,000 2 20000
3 Promotion 1 5000 5000
4 Govt. Royalty 10,000 5 50000
5 Other informal tax 10,000 3 30000
Total 113,333
Table 34: Summary of total cost:

SN Cost Head Amount (Rs)
1 Raw materials 176,600
2 Indirect labor 75,000
3 Direct labor 187,200
4 Depreciation 11570
5 Maintenance Cost 2,281
6 Administrative & management Cost 66,000
7 Packaging, Labeling and Promotion 113,333
8 Pre-operating cost 9,750
Total 641,734
Table 35: Calculation of Per Unit Production Cost

SN Particular Amount (Rs)
1 Total cost excluding raw materials 465,134
2 Cost of production per kg of Harro 60
3 Cost of production per kg of Barro 57
4 Cost of production per kg of Amala 67
Page: 40 / 67
C. Cost benefit of Amala
Assumption: Perrennial tree 4 years on per hectare basis

Table 36: Cost benefit of Amala by using seeds
No. of labour / Per unit
SN. Description Unit Plough cost in Rs. Total Rs.
1 Land preparation labour 20 80 1600
2 Seed Kg 4 250 1000
3 Nursery bed preparation labour 30 80 2400
4 Polbed preparation labour 20 80 1600
5 Maintenance of nursery beds labour 60 80 4800
6 Land preparation/digging pits labour 60 80 4800
7 Planting labour 40 80 3200
8 Compost tons 5 500 2500
Total A 21,900
9 Care and maintenance 60 80 4800
10 Weeding hoeing 30 80 2400
Lump
11 Irrigation sum 1000
Lump
12 Others sum 2000
Total B 10,200
Total expenditure 32,100
Total production (dried) kg 3600 30 108,000
Net profit 75,900
Table 37: Cost benefit of Amala by using Saplings

No. of labour / Per unit
SN. Description Unit Plough cost in Rs. Total Rs.
1 Land preparation labour 20 80 1600
2 Saplings Number 500 10 5000
3 Nursery bed preparation labour 30 80 2400
4 Polbed preparation labour 20 80 1600
5 Maintenance of nursery beds labour 60 80 4800
6 Land preparation/digging pits labour 60 80 4800
7 Planting labour 40 80 3200
8 Compost tons 5 500 2500
Total A 25,900
9 Care and maintenance 60 80 4800
10 Weeding hoeing 30 80 2400
Lump
11 Irrigation sum 1000
Lump
12 Others sum 2000
Total B 10,200
Total expenditure 36,100
Total production (dried) kg 3600 30 108,000
Net profit 71,900
Note: Similarly, cost of Harro and Barro can be estimated.
Page: 41 / 67
8. Operation and Management of Triphala Enterprise

Each Triphala enterprise shall be operated by cooperative structure by registering under
company act with production capacity of 3 tons of powdered Triphala and 10 tons of raw
processing with collection of Harro, Barro and Amala from the near by number of
community forest that will be sufficient to meet the target defined. At present, Harro,
Barro and Amala is not available in sufficient quantity from the community, collaborative
and national forest areas even though respondent shared that it is available in an
abundant, which was cross verified from the traders at different levels. Its actual
inventory is not available and is very difficult to estimate accurately. However, it is
estimated based on the information received from various sources during interaction
with the stakeholders. At the time of starting enterprise its actual sources and quantity
should be calculated with detail interaction with the key persons of the community forest
with the format provided in the refer annex 14.3.
Triphala is currently collected mostly from the community forest and in a few
quantities; especially Amala from the private land reaches traders in processed and raw
form. Ayurvedic medicine manufactures does not prefer Nepali Triphala due to its inferior
quality after processed even though Nepali herbs are known to be superior in the
international market. Actually, the quality of raw Triphala is degraded due to improperly
harvesting, drying and seed extraction process followed.
Quality indicators of Triphala before it is processed
Premature Harvesting from the forest reduce the quality of raw materials
Proper drying methodology – not in the direct sunlight and the optimum
moisture content maintained
Proper storage infrastructure – requires ‘Humidify fire’
Seed extract manually is cumbersome
It has been realized by experts that many program interventions have attempted to
build the capacity of farmers to do all value addition at the farm level up to the final
product form but in most of the cases was failed due to low economic of scale and the
product is not competitive to compete Box 1:
in the market. Converting product into Mr. Karam Chandra Agrawal and his son Mr. Shyam
final form and marketing requires very Agrawal, national level NTFP trader, Teku, shared that
once they have purchased Triphala from terai districts
high technology and management through local traders and after storing for some time the
skills, which are now not available with whole raw materials turned into black colour and fungus.
All the materials purchased were completely loss for
the farmers. That is why many experts them. Then after, they have not purchase from the local
felt that Triphala should be processed traders.
only up to the level with no change in the product form. Cooperative shall act as a
collection center with infrastructure of scientific weighing machine, drying technology,
seed extractor and storage capacity. Each cooperatives shall work on collection of
Page: 42 / 67
minimum of 10 tons of raw Triphala and semi processed with the quality standard as
desired by the traders or other buyers.
These cooperatives should be linked with the market traders with the contractual
agreement those who are ready to work in a long-term partnership with these
cooperatives. When these cooperatives reach optimum level of transaction in semi
process form they can start preparing churna of various products available with limited
quantity. Triphala churna alone cannot sustain its business. National consumption of
Triphala is high due to the reason that Harro,Barro and Amala is maximum used in many
medicines with various other combination. Amala is used due to its multiple benefits in
preparation of Charawanpras, hair oil, food (pickle) etc. Its consumption is high but the
margins are low compare to other Ayurvedic medicines.
For proper operation and management of the unit, following human resources are
required. Without Ayurvedic Doctor
Company could not be registered. Box 2:
Mr. Govinda Ghimire once has already started Triphala
mini processing unit in Udayapur by investing around
1. Ayurvedic Doctor
1.25 Lakhs but finally, the units is not successful in
2. Machine operator processing Triphala alone and later used the same
machine for grinding locally available spices and
3. Marketing officer packaging.
4. Supervisor
5. Daily wage women/men labours
Ayurvedic doctor takes an overall responsibility of quality control and guarantee the
products is edible. To operate machine converting powdered form, one operator is
required who will look after all machinery work and its overall maintenance. One
supervisor will manage and supervise all labours who will work on daily wage basis.
Especially poor and disadvantage women will be employed as a labourers.
Page: 43 / 67
9. Interested Individuals and Organisations in Triphala Entperprise

In the districts, most people involved in Triphala promotion especially traders and
farmers are enthusiastic towards establishment of Triphala processing units but few
others are skeptical towards the concept due to many entry barriers. Even though the
Triphala churna preparation is simply drying and converting into powder form, as it is
used as a medicine, all the preparation should be quality controlled and marketed so that
consumer perceived as a edible product. Consumers are nowadays aware of the quality
of the product they purchase. However, local traders and individuals farmers are very
positive towards establishment of small-scale units.
Usually National highways are closed due to various political strikes, so during the
time, mostly necessity products are entered from India. Due to logistic supply problem
mostly the products does not reaches up to the remote areas of the district. Market
functions only when there is a continuous supply and when there is no supply then there
are mostly chances that the costumer switches to other available brands. To grab this
opportunity there is a possibility of Triphala churna targeting local market demand and
mostly local traders believe that there should be locally available Triphala as well as
other available Ayurvedic products manufacturers who can meet the demand of local
market.
Certainly due to quality issue, investment capacity along with the technical and
management skills it is very difficult to implement this concept of establishing mini
processing units in the districts. Traders actually believes that there is a scope of
collection of not less than 200 tons of Triphala if it cultivated in the community forest
and other available unutilized land and ultimately if there is no volume of production
then it is difficult to sustain to every level of actors.
Mainly all traders met during the interaction have shown interest in investing up to
Rs. 100,000 at local level for starting new venture. Big size traders are interested in
agreement to purchase dry Triphala with quality processed in sufficient quantity
minimum of 10 tons. Similarly, Ayurvedic medicine manufacturing companies are ready
to procure with agreed terms and conditions.
Page: 44 / 67
10. Support services and its delivery from different agencies

Very few development organisations/programme are involved in the promotion of
Triphala based enterprise in Nepal. However, there are regular Government support
services mechanism from various departments and institutions. The details below
highlights various institutions involved directly/indirectly in the promotion and its
services.
Ministry of Health: Ministry of Health has already set up a focal unit – Ayurveda
& Alternative Medicine Section which is responsible to develop necessary planning,
policies, rules and regulations regarding all kinds of traditional medicine existing in
country and play vital role in corporation, coordination, direction and monitoring and
other organization related to TM under the ministry. The following organizations/
institutions are working currently under the ministry.
a. Department of Ayurveda: This Department is under the Ministry of Health who

looks after government networks of Ayurveda and policy and planning. The
constraints of manpower, visionary leadership, budgetary allocation, prioritization
of activities, and lack of activity monitoring matrixes have been realized recently
for the development of this sector.
b. Ayurveda Hospitals: Two Ayurveda hospitals – one in Kathmandu with hundred

beds (Nardevi Ayurveda Ausadhalaya under Ayurveda Ayusadhalaya Development
Committee), and a regional hospital with 30 beds (more 10 beds with cabins in
internal resources) are running in Dang.
District Ayurveda Health Centers: 61

Zonal Ayurveda Dispensaries: 14
Local Ayurveda Dispensaries: 216
c. Council of Ayurvedic Medicine: Apex body to control, monitor and regulate

Ayurveda professional and traditional healers and academic institutions. Following
three categories of professional has been registered in the council:
d. Ayurveda Physicians: Graduates are registered as a full-fledged member of the

council.Ayurveda Para-medicals are registered under a sub-committee of the
council.Traditional Ayurveda practitioners are enrolled and licensed for their
practice. For this that is having three generations of practicing of Ayurveda and at
least minimum of 50 years age groups (deadline is for one year) are eligible for
enrolling. Due to this limitation, many other traditional healers are not able to get
enrollment for licensing practice. The discussion is going on amending this clause
and incorporate training component to upgrade their knowledge and bring them
into the main stream.
Page: 45 / 67
e. Academic Institutions: The first formal technical education started in the

country was in Ayurveda. In 1928 AD Nepal Rajakiya Ayurveda Vidyalaya was
started in Naradevi, Kathmandu for the production of Ayurveda manpower i.e.
Vaidyas of all levels up to Acharya, equivalent to a Bachelor of the present day
standards in contrast to the technical education in the modern system. In spite of
the fact that Ayurveda is traditional and that formal education began much earlier
than arrival of the modern medical system, since the advent of “democracy” in
1950, the emphasis and all out efforts has been on the modernization and
expansion of modern health services. Ayurveda Campus TU is the continuing
institute of Ayurveda Vidhyalaya. Other training Institutes under Mahendra S.
University and CTEVT in the periphery are running. At present, one graduate level
Ayurveda College, seven three-years- course educational institutions, and three
fifteen month tranining institutions are running legally throughout the country.
f. Ayurveda Pharmaceutical Sector: There is one government owned producing

unit, Singha Durbar Baidhyakhana Vikas Samiti (started from Malla dynasty 357
years ago with a high reputation in its history) running below capacity and
constraints of quality measures. There are 32 other private Ayurveda
pharmaceutical companies, with limited capacity and some of them are not
functioning all of the time.
g. National Ayurveda Research & Training Centre: Governments of Nepal &

China have signed recently for the establishment of this institute and this is a
recent development in Ayurveda sector in Nepal.
h. Other: There are a significant number of institutions - Public, Development

Partners’, I/NGO and Private Organizations and Institutions involved in Medicinal
plants including NTFPT - involved in this sector. There is minimal coordination
within the Ayurvedic sector, which is very important and vital for the overall
development of the country and Intellectual property rights issues.
Table 38: Organisations and its service delivery

SN. Organisation/Institution Services
1 Department of Plant and Resources Policy and planning
2 Department of Forest Community forest conservation
3 Department of Ayurvedic Ayurvedic medicine free distribution
Counselling
4 District Forest Coordination Committeee Cultivation
(DFCC) Promotion
Bio diversity conservation
5 District Forest Office
5 NTFP network Informal networks between the Triphala producers
Sharing of information and knowledge
Raw collection
Sales and marketing
6 National Agriculture Research Council Research and development
Page: 46 / 67
(NARC)
7 Development organizations: ICIMOD, IUCN, Streamlining supply chain
ANSAB • Organic cultivation
International Centre for • Certification training
Integrated Mountain • Publications
Development (ICIMOD) • Lobby for policy development
8 Herbs and NTFPs • Coordination among stakeholders
Coordination Committee • Reviewing royalty
(HNCC) • Lobbying for policy improvement
9 District Agriculture Development Organisation Support in infrastructure development support
(DADO) Lobby and advocacy
10 District Soil Conservation Office (DSCO) Provision of providing seedling of Triphala

Supervision and monitoring
Plantation for soil conservation
11 Jadibudi Association of Nepal (JABAN) Export promotion
Market price promotion
Networking and linkages with the traders
12 AECOFUN and FECOFUN Domestication and governance work on NTFPs
• FUG operational plan revisions, including NTFPs
• NTFPs nursery and extension materials
• Capacity building of local FUGs and monitoring work
13 FUG (CF, CFM, LHF, PLF) Second generation operation plan
Business promotion of NTFP products
Poor and social inclusion
With support from District Forest office, Bara for providing degraded forest area, Sristi
Forest conservation group has planted 850 seedlings of Amla with support from BISEP-
ST/DSCO project.
Care Nepal support in Non-Timber Forest Resource and Herbal Product Co. (Ltd)
Nepalgunj: The processing unit is very recently established in Kohalpur-4, Pragati
Nager in Banke district with financial support from Care
SAGUN Project. Shareholders of the unit are the members of
CFUG and other knowledgeable people. The unit has targeted
to produce 5 tons of Triphala powder in a year targeting local
market consumer. At present, unit is producing Triphala
powder, which is packed in small quantities and sold to the
local community people. Triphala powder produced by them Mr. Lal Bahadur Rana infront of Srijana
CFUG office in Kohalpur -4, Bake
lacks quality and hygiene aspect. It will be difficult to sell in
the market areas. However, it can be sold within their members.
In Bara district there has been few initiatives in plantation of Amala in the degraded
forest areas with support from BISEP-ST and DSCO.
Ayurveda Health Policy, 1996: With objectives to improve the health condition of the
people at large and making them self-reliant on health services by exploiting huge
natural medicinal resources available in the country, Ayurvda Health Policy came into
Page: 47 / 67
existence in 1996. It has committed to improve upon qualitatively and quantitatively the
Ayurveda related infrastructures such as Department of Ayurveda, Central and district
Ayurvedic hospital, Singh Durbar Vaidya Khana, the Ayurvedic dispensaries and other
private organisations. The policy has emphasized on herb farming, production of herbal
medicines and development of herbal medicine based enterprises. Ayurvedic human
resources of high quality in the fields of education health and preparation of medicines
are envisaged to produce. The policy points out the necessity for establishing an
international standard ayurvedic research institute for doing meaningful and useful
Ayurvedic research.
Page: 48 / 67
11. Intervention strategies

Triphala (Harro, Barro and Amala) should be processed only up to the level where there
is no change in the product form. Triphala producers should be linked with the market
traders and finally with the processing company with contractual agreement of specified
quantity those who are ready to work in partnership with the producers. Producers group
shall aggregate together and register as a cooperative to work on collection and
marketing of semi processed Triphala and other herbs. When the products are processed
and converted into final form then the next difficult task is to sell it.
Raw Harro, Barro and Amala are slowly depleting every year from the forest area so
the members of forest users group should educated in sustainable harvesting and
monitored by local stakeholders in close coordination with the NTFP networks. Educate
the community members about its importance for generating cash income only when it is
collected in a sufficient quantity. Every business to function, it requires sufficient raw
materials and its supply chain should be well established from producers until the factory
and then up to the consumers. We should now be in a position to decide whether these
raw materials will be locally produced or imported from India.
It needs to be cultivated in the forest areas and are allowed to control within the
boundary of CFUG. When sufficiently collected there should be a technology transfer
about appropriate drying and seed extraction by providing them training and machines.
Up to the local level the quality of product should be enhance. It should be proved to
them that even by improving quality can fetch higher price. Actually by nature our
product quality is rich in nutritious but we human beings have degraded its quality by
without properly treating it.
As there is huge competition in the market for final product and the margins are very
low it is usually bad idea to enter into this venture when we don’t work in a volume and
quality standard. Instead of taking high risk in investing in plant and machinery it is
better at this stage to initially build the capacity to work in a volume only in certain
processing level without changing the product form. Usually people have nowadays very
bad perception towards powdered products due to high chances of adulteration and the
brand identity plays a very important role towards wining the consumers mind.
Nowadays there are small-scale masala mill whose job is to convert into powder form
and takes charges of it and they are sustainable by taking service charge. As Triphala is
a classical medicine and just converting into powder is not and issue to any organisations
but how you guarantee customers that the product is pure with quality raw materials,
hygienically processed and packaged. If the right procedures are not followed to prepare
final products then there will be chances of high customer’s complaints.
For working in small quantities, no machines are actually required when the
processing is taken care with existing available skills and knowledge with guarantee that
the product is good in quality.
Page: 49 / 67
NTFP Network shall liaise with the individual farmers or groups for collection of raw
Triphala and further process up to the level without change in their form. The final
products shall be linked with the market traders or industrial buyers by long-term
contractual agreement. There is requirement to educate CF/CFM users to cultivate
Triphala ingredients in a commercial scale and link with the traders for their economic
return and improve their livelihood.
12. Conclusions
It is early to start processing of Triphala churna by the community owned NTFP network
members either individually or cooperatives. The reason is supply channel of raw
materials required for processing in not established yet and the quantity of raw materials
is not uniformly available from different types forests (CF,CFM, LHF, and PLF). It is
necessary to first estimate resource inventory from the forest and other sources before
investing in this venture. Cooperatives or individuals can initially start with improving the
quality of raw materials before it is sold to the traders. In any business, relationships are
established by trust and commitment. This trust can be established by providing quality
products to the traders and factories so that they can be assured for quality product with
a regular supply.
However, Triphala churna shall be produced at the local level targeting only near by
market without any more promotional activities. In the rural market areas, Triphala
churna is mostly available from Indian companies, which are expensive and less efficient
compare to Nepali product. In addition to the three herbs- Harro, Barro and Amala other
more herbs and minerals shall be added to cure more diseases but this requires
Ayurvedic doctor with intensive research with the proof. The pulverize machine shall be
used for making powder of various spices.
For the better future of traditional medicine, immediate steps needed it to capture,
protect, and commercially exploit the natural resources, medicinal plants, traditional
medicine and their related intellectual property rights for the overall sustainable growth
and development.
13. References
1. ANSAB trade bulletin
Page: 50 / 67
2. Ayurvedic Sandesh, Department of Ayurveda, Teku, Kathmandu

3. Study on compilation and prioritization of ten important NTFPs of Nepal for
commercial promotion through private sector investment, AEC
4. Field visit report prepared by DFCC office, Bara
5. FRAME : Role of natural products in resource management, poverty alleviation,
and good governance - a case study of Jatamansi and Wintergreen, March 2006,
prepared by Mr. Binod Pokharel, Mr. Madhusudan Subedi, Mr. Indu Bikal Sapkota,
Dr. Bhishma Subedi, The Asia Network for Sustainable Agriculture and
Bioresources (ANSAB), and EnterpriseWorks/VITA for International Resources
Group (IRG).
6. VALUE CHAINS IN NEPAL
7. Handbook on herbal medicine, IUCN
8. Brief abstract on status of traditional medicine in Nepal by Rishi Ram Koirala,
National Ayurveda Association, Nepal
9. Visited website of
a. Department of Drug Administration
b. Gorkha Ayurved Company (P) Ltd.
c. Dabur Nepal
Page: 51 / 67
14. Annex
14.1. Interview questionnaire forms
A. Input /Cultivation / Harvesting:
1. Where are Triphala (Harro, Barro and Amala) plants available?
Community owned Forest

Collaborative Forest
Government Manage Forest
cultivated in the private land
cultivated in barren land
Others, please specify: _____________________________________
2. If anyone is interested to cultivate seedlings/saplings, is it easily available? If yes, what is

the cost of each saplings or seeds?
Seeding/saplings is easily available / not available

Cost of seeding/saplings: Rs. _________ per kg., Rs. __________ per piece
3. Is there nursery available for Triphala plants? If yes, where it is available?
Nursery is available
Specify place: _______________________________________________
4. How many people are involved in cultivation/harvesting of Triphala in your area?
Write number of people in the box with each number in each box
5. Who are involved in plantation of Triphala plants?
Local farmers
Traders
Big businessmen
Others: ______________________________________
6. Who are involved in harvesting of Triphala plants?

Local farmers
Traders
Big businessmen
Others: ______________________________________
7. How much farmers earn by selling Harro, Barro and Amala in a year and are they
sustained by involving in this sector?
Rs. Per Year
8. What types of ethnic community people are involved in this sector?
9. What are their other sources of income?
Page: 52 / 67
10. How did they start Harro, Barro and Amala cultivation?
11. What are the other support received from the NGOs/INGOs or donors?
Training
Linkages with the traders
Others: ______________________________________
12. If the plants are cultivated, how much amount is needed to invest?
Cost of cultivation: Rs, ____________ per hectare
13. What are the present constraints for availability of quality seed/sapling?
Not easily available

Need to travel far distance
Others: ______________________________________
14. What are the benefits of Triphala products? Explain briefly
___________________________________________________________________
15. As per your knowledge what is the average availability area of Triphala in Nepal?
Product Average area in Hectare

Harro
Barro
Amala
16. What is the annual production of Triphala from your area? Can you estimate roughly the
total production from Nepal?
Product Quantity from district Quantity from Nepal

Harro
Barro
Amala
17. In your district in which VDCs Triphala plants are available? List the name of the VDCs
18. What is the Triphala plants production and harvesting cycle?
Season Harro Barro Amala

Plantation season in Month:
Harvesting season in Month:
Others:
Page: 53 / 67
19. At what rate framers/individuals are selling Triphala to the collectors and what is the
average quantity of production from each plant?
Product Selling price Quantity from each plant

Harro
Barro
Amala
20. How many people are required for cultivation/harvesting? What types of skills are
required?
Designation Function Skills
21. How raw Triphala are sold to the traders?
Traders come to us for purchase

Sends someone representative
Farmers have contact with the traders
Others, please specify: ______________________________________
22. How Triphala are carried up to the market traders and up to the factory?
Carrying by human
Tractor
Cycle
Others, please specify: ______________________________________
23. Where are the traders located?
List out few names of the places: _______________________________
24. What is the supply channel of Triphala products?
25. Who are the main manufacturers of Triphala power?
Name Address Telephone Remarks
26. Is there any conservation of Harro, Barro and Amala species issues, if yes explain?
Page: 54 / 67
B. Processing and Marketing:
1. Describe the process of preparing Triphala? Write Step by step flow chart, if possible.
2. How much quantity of raw materials (Harro, Barro and Amala) is required in a year? Cash
or Credit purchase
Harro Barro Amala
Cash purchase Credit purchase
3. How much quantity of raw materials (Harro, Barro and Amala) is available in a year?
Harro Barro Amala
4. Who are the target consumers?
Person suffering from

constipation
Person suffering from eye
sight person
Control blood pressure
Improve digestive system
Improve immunity power
Page: 55 / 67
Triphala Feasibility study and Operation and Management of Triphala Power
Enterprise
Others: _________________________
5. What are the good quality indicators of Triphala’s ingredients?
Harro Barro Amala
6. What are the good quality indicators of Triphala?
Colour
Taste
Finely sieved
Others: ________________________________________________________
7. Final wholesale and retail price of Triphala? How the price is fixed and what are the main
factors for determining price of the products?
Raw form
Product Wholesale price in Rs. Per Retail price in Rs. Per kg.
kg.
Harro
Barro
Amala
Powder form
Product Wholesale price in Rs. Per Retail price in Rs. Per kg.
kg.
Harro
Barro
Amala
All mixed
Factor affecting price of Triphala products:
Market demand and supply

Bargaining power of traders
Availability of raw materials
Others: _____________________________
8. Who are the present producers of Triphala products?
Producers Name: _____________________________
Contact address: _____________________________

9. How much quantity of Triphala is consumed in a year in Nepal?
Telephone: _____________________
Quantity consumed: _________________________
10. How much quantity of raw Triphala is exported to other countries? Specify name of the
country?
Page: 56 / 67
Enterprise
Quantity exported:______________________
Country name: _________________________
11. What are other value addition possibilities other than the Triphala powder?
Individual Harro, Barro and Amala separate powder

Better packaging then the existing available
Others: ___________________________________
12. What is your present production capacity of Triphala powder?
< 500 kg.

500 to 1000 Kg.
1000 to 2000 kg.
> 2000 kg.
Others: ____________________________________
13. What are the plants and equipments required for Triphala production in power form?
Specify its cost.
Plants & Equipments Cost in Rs. Remarks
14. How many traders are involved in Triphala business and what is their major volume of
transaction in terms of quantity and cash?
Number of traders: __________, Volume of transaction: Rs. ________ , ________ Tons.
15. How much quantity of Triphala is processed in your enterprise?
Product Quantity in Kg. Remarks

Harro
Barro
Amala
16. What is your plant capacity to process Triphala in your enterprise?
Plant capacity in ________ Tons.
17. Triphala powder is available in what sizes and packaging?
Packaging Available in gm
Plastic bottles < 50 gm

Loose packs 100 gm
Plastic packs 200 gm
500 gm
> 500 gm
18. What is the monthly operating cost, annual variable cost, monthly fixed cost, investment
amount, profit margin from the enterprise?
Monthly operating cost: _________
Page: 57 / 67
Enterprise
Annual variable cost: ___________

Monthly fixed cost: ____________
Investment amount: ___________
Profit margin: ____________
Total income from sales: ____________
19. How much is your administration expenses incurred? Explain all expense heading
Expense in Rs. List all expense headings
20. How much is your pre-operating cost incurred?
S.N. Description Amount

1 Registration cost
2 Business Plan
3 Training
Total pre-operating expenses
21. What are the buying and selling targets:
Buying items Selling items
22. What are your fixed asset investments? Calculate the annual depreciation amount from the
list of investment amount.
Fixed asset investments depreciation amount
23. What is the annual variable cost involved and monthly fixed operating cost? List the items.
Annual variable cost Monthly fixed operating cost
24. What is your initial investment?
Page: 58 / 67
Enterprise
Investment of fixed
assets
Investment of variable
cost
Investment of fixed cost
25. What was your source of investment?
Annual interest of loan
Interest rate
26. What is your annual profit and loss account?
Income
Expenses
27. What are your regular activities and its expenses
Activities Expenses
28. What are other Institutional development activities that you do?
Activities Expenses
29. What are your regular activities?
Page: 59 / 67
Enterprise
30. How many people are required for processing Triphala? What types of skills are required?
Designation Function Skills
31. What is your promotional strategy for marketing of the Triphala powder?
Attractive packaging
Low price than the competitors
Quality product with not compromise in price
Attractive incentives for Ayurvedic medicine and doctors
Others: ____________________________________
32. What are the existing constraints for marketing Triphala powder? Please list in a bullet
points.
33. Marketing expenses
Expense head Amount in Rs.

Trade Fairs
Brochures
Direct Visits
Visiting Card
Others
Page: 60 / 67
Enterprise
34. Is your processing unit registered or not?
Not registered
Registered
Willing to register
Note: Inputs will be gathered during the interviews to do the SWOT analysis for assessment of
feasibility of Triphala enterprise by asking questions from all angles. For financial assessment we
will gather all facts and figure to draw final conclusion.
C. Market Trader:
35. How much quantity of raw materials (Harro, Barro and Amala) is required in a year? Cash
or Credit purchase
Harro Barro Amala
Cash purchase Credit purchase

36. How much quantity of raw materials (Harro, Barro and Amala) is available in a year?
Harro Barro Amala
37. Who are the target consumers?
Person suffering from

constipation
Person suffering from eye
sight person
Control blood pressure
Improve digestive system
Improve immunity power
Page: 61 / 67
Others: _________________________
38. What are the good quality indicators of Triphala’s ingredients?
Harro Barro Amala
39. What are the good quality indicators of Triphala powder?
Colour
Taste
Finely sieved
Others: _________________________
40. Final wholesale and retail price of Triphala? How the price is fixed and what are the
main factors for determining price of the products?
Raw form
Product Wholesale price in Rs. Retail price in Rs. Per kg.

Per kg.
Harro
Barro
Amala
Powder form
Product Wholesale price in Rs. Retail price in Rs. Per kg.

Per kg.
Harro
Barro
Amala
All mixed
Factor affecting price of Triphala products:
Market demand and supply

Bargaining power of traders
Availability of raw materials
Others: _____________________________
41. Who are the present producers of Triphala products?
Producers Name: _____________________________
Contact address: _____________________________
Telephone: _____________________
Triphala Feasibility Report
42. How much quantity of Triphala is consumed in a year in Nepal?
Quantity consumed: _________________________
43. How much quantity of raw Triphala is exported to other countries? Specify name of the
country?
Quantity exported:______________________
Country name: _________________________
44. What are other value addition possibilities other than the Triphala powder?
Individual Harro, Barro and Amala separate powder

Better packaging then the existing available
Others: ___________________________________
45. How many traders are involved in Triphala business and what is their major volume of
transaction in terms of quantity and cash?
Number of traders: __________, Volume of transaction: Rs. ________ , ________

Tons.
46. Triphala powder is available in what sizes and packaging?
Packaging Available in gm
Plastic bottles < 50 gm

Loose packs 100 gm
Plastic packs 200 gm
500 gm
> 500 gm
47. What is the monthly operating cost, annual variable cost, monthly fixed cost,
investment amount, profit margin from the enterprise?
Monthly operating cost: _________

Annual variable cost: ___________
Monthly fixed cost: ____________
Investment amount: ___________
Profit margin: ____________
Total income from sales: ____________
48. What are your regular activities?
Page: 63 / 67
49. What is your promotional strategy for marketing of the Triphala powder?
Attractive packaging
Low price than the competitors
Quality product with not compromise in price
Attractive incentives for Ayurvedic medicine and doctors
50. What are the existing constraints for marketing Triphala powder? Please list in a bullet
points.
51. Judge his interest and ask whether he is willing to become as a co-investor in Triphala
processing in partnership with the local producers group?
I am interested in partnership
I am not interested in partnership
I am only interested in purchasing processed Triphala
Others: ____________________________________
52. If he is willing to invest, what will be his terms and conditions?
53. How much amount he is willing to invest?
< Rs. 10,000

Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000
Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000
Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 100,000
> Rs. 100,000
D. Service provisions:
1. Which organizations /programmes are working in the Triphala promotion in the terai
areas?
Organisation Name Contact person
Page: 64 / 67
2. In which areas of services organisations are involved?
Input supply
Cultivation/harvesting
Processing
Marketing
Others: _____________________
3. Experience shared by the organizations involved in Triphala promotion in terms of:
a. What they have done so far?
b. Its future prospects?
4. How many beneficiaries are covered by the program?
No. of beneficiaries: _________
5. Current status of the enterprise
Page: 65 / 67
14.2. List of persons met

S.N. Name, Position Organisation Name Contact address
1 Shiva Shankar Gupta, Secretary NTFP Network, Dhanusha 041-690424 / 9744008787
2 Sambu Chaudari NTFP Network, Bara
3 Sita Ram Dahal NTFP Network, Sarlahi
4 Laxmi P. Gautam, Vice president NTFP Network, Sarlahi
5 NTFP Network, President NTFP Network, Makwanpur
6 Dr. Achut Raj Malani NTFP Network, Makwanpur
7 Puspa Raj Parajuli
8 Yagy Prasad Kadel
9 Uttam Khadka Trader, Hetauda 9845057310
10 Bal krishna Khadga Trader, Hetauda 9855067658
11 Jit Bahadur Magar Trader, Hetauda 057-520980
12 Bir Singh Tamang Trader, Hetauda 9845106808
13 Sankar Karki Trader, Hetauda
14 Alue Sah Trader, Hetauda
15 Shivshankar Gupta Dhalkebar - 3, Dhanusha 9744008787 / 041-690424
16 Gopal Prasad Chaulagain Hetauda 9845042734
17 Ran Narayan Jha Trader, Janakpur 9841505090
18 Karam Chandra Agrawal Rakesh Traders Teku 9851035043
19 Dr. Basudev Kadel Singhadurbar Vaidyakhana
20 Ajaya B. Pradhanang Fluer Himalaya 5529436/5529059
21 Kumar Tamang, Executive Director Robeus Internatonal 4461288 / 9851016896
22 Lal Bahadur Rana NTFP Cooperative, Kohalpur 081-692612 / 9848022672
23 Samudayik Jadibuti Cooperatiion 9844086949
24 Rabin Lamsal Nardevi clinic 4269962
25 Mohan Poudel, General Manager Gorkha Ayurvedic 4352763
26 Shambhu Singh Regional Office
27 Prabin Bidari Regional Office
28 Arjun K.C Regional Office
30 Bhim Dhakal BISEPST
31 Raj Kumar Paudyal BISEPST
Dr. Dev Bhakta Shakya, Executive
32 Director AEC
33 Govinda Adhakari DOF
34 Nanda Lal Yadav AFO, DOF, Makwanpur
35 Shiva Adhakari Departmetn of Ayurveda 4269910/4269911
Tel: 5560977 email:
36 Dr. Khem Raj Bhattarai Department of Plant Resources [email protected]
37 Keshab Thapaliya, Framer Kishan Samudayik Sastha, Bara 9803356769/9845223684
38 Dil Bahadur Bhatarai Kishan Samudayik Sastha, Bara 9845031634
39 Kashi Nath paudel, Trader Trader, Sarlahi Ganesh Chowk, Tel: 9841540719
40 Somesh Das PSO, DFCCO, Bara
41 Keshab Acharya PSO, DFCCO, Makwanpur 551739/ 9845136087
42 Pankaj Kayasta PSO, DFCCO, Sarlahi 524665/ 9845027699
43 Rameshwor Pandit CMO, DFCCO, Dhanusha 521049/ 9841034612
44 Raj Kumar Rimal Ranger, DFCCO, Makwanpur 527314/ 9804824116
45 Govinda Ghimere, Executive Director Alternative Herbals Pvt. Ltd.
Page: 66 / 67
14.3. Collection of Triphala
SN Source of Triphala Collection time Period up to the Mode of transportation

Processing unit
14.4. Payment Slip Format for Collectors
Date Name of the Quantity Rate Total Amount Amount Signature Remark
Collector (kg) per Kg Amount Paid Due
(Rs) (Rs) (Rs) (Rs)
Batch Recording System
Date: 2064/ / Batch: 1st / 2nd Time:
SN Name of the Worker Signature Remarks

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Total Production of this Batch:................................
Approved By:
Page: 67 / 67

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Report on Feasibility of Triphala Production

Enterprise development in Central Terai

Similarly, to the entire stakeholders from private sector, Government, Semi-Government

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

NTFP : Non Timber Forest Product

Study findings are summarized as follows:

There are 40 registered Ayurvedic manufacturers and 38 importers who are

Domestic production of Triphala is estimated to be not more than 150 tons.

Suggestions and recommendations

Some emerging areas in the field of NTFP policy are as follows:

Policy in farming, domestication extraction, harvesting, processing for value addition,

Legal Steps for Collection and Export

Table 2: Policies and initiatives for promotion of NTFP sector

in NTFP collections, harvesting, processing, and use.

3.1. Purpose of the study

3.2. Study design, methodology and approaches

 Explore supply and demand trend of Triphala in Nepal

3.3. Expected outcomes from the study

 Assessment of technical, social, financial, and resource availability for feasibility

Survey tools and methods adopted:

 Local producers or small farmers and community users group

4. Products description (Harro, Barro and Amala)

4.1. Product details

Triphala (Three fruits: Harro, Barro and Amala)

Triphala, said to contain three different 'fruits

Amala (Amalaki, Emblica officinalis) Harro (Haritaki, Terminalia chebula)

In recent years, a number of research

 Eyes related problems

Altitude range: 150 – 1400 m

Large deciduous tree, 24-30 m high. leaves 7.6 - 15.2 cmm

5-ribbled when dry.

Large tree, 18-24 m tall. Leave

Parts used: Bark, fruits

1. Amala - Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)

 Available in churna, tablet and juice

Triphala Product forms:

4.2. Cultivation and harvesting

Harro: December / January / February

Harvesting of Harro, Barro

- Drying of Harro & Barro and

Separate only outer bark

Wastage after Grinding

Transport dried Harro, Barro

Mix in equal quantity of

Packaging, Labeling and

Figure: Triphala processing flow chart

5. Supply and demand of Triphala in Nepal

5.1. Triphala supply

Table 3: District: District Ayurvedic health service center

Table 4: Ayurvedic aysadhalayas in the districts:

Production of Triphala in Nepal

It is very difficult to estimate actual quantity of Triphala churna production in Nepal

19 Siddha Ayurvedic Pharmacy Pvt. Ltd. Rupendehi

Table 6: List of International Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturing Companies

5.3. Import and Export

Table 7: Collection of raw Triphala (Harro, Barro and Amala)

Table 8: Amala export in a year 2063/64

India (Bhairawa) 0.3

Table 9: Harro/Barro export (Year 2063/64)

Explore supply and demand trend of Triphala in Nepal

Assessment of technical, social, financial, and resource availability for feasibility

Local producers or small farmers and community users group

Eyes related problems

Available in churna, tablet and juice

In Bara- Amala plantation in Katarwa tole of Dumarbana – 7. There are two