The state-owned entity is preparing to purchase goats from different parts of the country, especially Tarai districts.[break]
“Customers will have to bear the brunt of high price if NFC didn´t purchase goats for Dashain. Realizing this very fact, the NFC board has decided to purchase about 3,000 to 4,000 goats in the Kathmadu Valley for the Dashain festival,” Rajendra Baskota, deputy general manager of NFC, told Republica.
NFC is preparing to bring goats from through its branch offices in Makwanpur, Lahan and Kohalpur.
“This year we will source goats only from these collection centers as production in other centers like Dang and Bhakundebesi is not satisfactory,” added Baskota.
Earlier, NFC had decided against the purchase of goats after the state-owned food distributor incurred loss in goat trade last year. During previous meetings, most of board members had questioned rationale of loss-making goat trade. But some board members had argued that NFC as a state-owned entity must continue goat trade to intervene the market.
Baskota further informed that NFC will purchase only healthy goats from healthy herds for the festive season. “All the goats that will purchase will pass through a health check by veterinary doctors,” he added.
The MoCS has already assigned a few veterinary doctors for the purpose.
Baskota, however, chose to keep mum on goat prices this year. “We will be able to comment on the prices only after purchasing the goats,” he added.
According to traders, demand for goats in the Valley during Dashain hovers around 60,000 to 65,000 (including 15,000 mountain goats).
Sheep, mountain goats worth Rs 10.5m arrive in Mustang
BAGLUNG: Traders in Upper Mustang have purchased sheep and mountain goats worth Rs 10.5 million from Tibet for the upcoming Dashain festival.
Every year, traders in Mustang purchase sheep and mountain goats from Tibet and sell them in Pokhara and surrounding areas because local production is not sufficient to meet inflated demand during the festive season.
“Traders in Upper Mustang have purchased sheep and mountain goats worth Rs 10.5 million at a trade fair held recently in Tibet,” Indradhar Bista of Upper Mustang said. He also said the animals were purchased at Rs 4,500 to Rs 5,500 each.
Large number of sheep and mountain goats has already arrived in Mustang. Traders are hopeful that it will help ease demand during the festive season.
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NFC to bring 2000 goats, mountain goats for Dashain
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