Bajhang, June 22 -- Hundreds of yarsagumba collectors have reached the highlands of Bajhang district to collect the caterpillar fungus (Cordyceps sinensis) despite the ban imposed by the government on this year's collection.

In mid-April, the Covid-19 Crisis Management Committee in the district had decided to impose a ban on the collection of the herb this season in view of the coronavirus pandemic. However, despite the ban, most villagers in Saipal and Surma rural municipalities have left for the highlands to collect the medicinal herb also known as the Himalayan Viagra.

The collectors in Bajhang have started climbing up the highlands since the second week of June. Lakhan Bohara, a resident in Surma, said hundreds of yarsa collectors h...