KATHMANDU: The sale of mountain goats brought from Mustang has commenced in Sallaghari, Bhaktapur, ahead of the upcoming Dashain festival. Traders have brought the animals to the capital to cater to the traditional demand for goat meat during the festival. Traders reported significant challenges in sourcing and transporting the animals this year, citing that the process has been more difficult and expensive than in previous years.
Heavy rains caused damage to roads and bridges, severely impacting transportation. Traders faced difficulties in securing food and shelter for both themselves and the animals during the journey. According to trader Mekh Bahadur Nepal, who has been in the business for over 30 years, bulldozers and tippers were required to cross damaged sections of the road. He noted that he has never experienced such high costs and logistical hurdles before.
Nepal imported approximately 500 goats this year, with 351 brought to the Sallaghari site and 200 supplied to traders at the Kalanki goat market. Sales in Sallaghari began on Tuesday. While the cost of procurement has risen by about Rs 3,000 per animal compared to last year, traders stated they are keeping prices competitive for consumers. The current market price in Sallaghari ranges from Rs 1,250 to Rs 1,300 per kg of live weight. Wholesale buyers may receive a discount of Rs 10 to Rs 20 per animal depending on the volume of their purchase. Traders expect consumers from across the Kathmandu Valley to visit the Sallaghari site to purchase livestock for the festival.
