Mustang: Over 4,000 sheep and goats have been sold from the Mustang district to meet the demand for the upcoming Tihar festival. According to the Veterinary Hospital and Animal Services Expert Center, 4,000 of these animals have already been slaughtered in markets across Myagdi, Baglung, Pokhara, and Kathmandu since the beginning of October.
Lalmani Aryal, the head of the center, revealed that 8,000 sheep and goats were sold during the Dashain festival earlier this year. All animals destined for the market undergo rigorous health examinations by veterinarians to ensure they are fit for consumption.
For both Dashain and Tihar, sheep and goats sourced from Dolpa, Mugu, and local farmers in Mustang were supplied to the market. Aryal noted that the sheep and goat business has seen a surge this year, likely due to increased production and reduced prices.
The meat from these animals, which graze on nutritious herbaceous pastures, is highly valued for its taste and health benefits. Typically, three-year-old goats are selected for meat production.
In terms of pricing, there has been a significant decrease compared to the previous year. Last year, traders purchased goats for over 40,000 rupees each, while this year, the price has dropped to between 30,000 and 33,000 rupees. Similarly, the market price of goats in Kathmandu and Pokhara has fallen from 55,000 rupees to less than 45,000 rupees. Traders attributed the price drop to the high prices and unsold stock from the previous year.
