In the picturesque landscapes of eastern Nepal, nestled amidst the towering Himalayan peaks and the verdant tea plantations of India’s Darjeeling district, lies a story of unexpected economic significance. Here, amidst the rare orchids and playful red pandas, a humble shrub has emerged as an unlikely source of prosperity for impoverished Nepali farmers while sustaining Asia’s most advanced financial system.
The protagonist of this tale is argeli, an unassuming evergreen shrub native to the Himalayan region. Initially cultivated for basic purposes such as fencing or firewood, argeli found its way into the spotlight when its bark became a crucial ingredient for Japan’s currency production.
The journey begins with Pasang Sherpa, a farmer whose livelihood was once threatened by wildlife ravaging his traditional crops of corn and potatoes near Mount Everest. In a fortuitous turn of events, Sherpa transitioned to cultivating argeli, unaware of its future economic significance. Little did he know that the bark of this shrub would eventually find its way into the production of Japan’s yen notes.
Kanpou Incorporated, headquartered in Osaka, Japan, plays a pivotal role in this narrative. Recognizing the dwindling supply of mitsumata, the traditional paper used for Japanese banknotes, Kanpou sought innovative solutions. Their exploration led them to the foothills of the Himalayas, where they discovered argeli thriving in Nepal’s rugged terrain.
Through collaborative efforts and knowledge exchange, Nepali farmers like Sherpa learned to meet Japan’s exacting standards for mitsumata production. Despite the challenges posed by Nepal’s terrain and climate, these farmers embraced the opportunity, turning argeli cultivation into a profitable venture.
Today, Sherpa and his fellow farmers in Nepal’s Ilam district are integral players in Japan’s currency production chain. With meticulous attention to detail, they harvest and process argeli bark, which is then shipped to Japan for the manufacturing of yen notes.
This symbiotic relationship not only benefits Nepali farmers economically but also offers a solution to Japan’s paper supply dilemma. As Japan prepares for the redesign of its currency, the significance of Nepali argeli in sustaining the yen becomes more pronounced.
Beyond economic implications, this partnership holds promise for mitigating migration from Nepal to Gulf nations and India. By providing employment opportunities and stability, argeli cultivation offers a viable alternative for Nepali communities, echoing a sentiment of mutual benefit and cooperation between nations.
In the words of Tadashi Matsubara, President of Kanpou, the importance of Nepali farmers and their cultivation of mitsumata cannot be overstated. Their contribution not only sustains Japan’s currency production but also exemplifies the interconnectedness of global economies.
