KATHMANDU: Mustang has recorded the sale of 13,717 mountain goats and sheep ahead of the Dashain festival. According to the Agriculture and Livestock Development Office in Mustang, these sales generated a total turnover of Rs 355.38 million.
Dr. Lalmani Aryal, chief of the office, stated that local farmers in Mustang supplied 7,964 mountain goats and 1,204 sheep. Additionally, 3,551 animals were brought from Dolpa, 260 from Mugu, and 300 from Jumla. Another 438 mountain goats passed through the Korala border point from Tibet.
Prices for the animals ranged from Rs 28,000 to Rs 52,000 per head, depending on breed, age, and weight. In the previous fiscal year, 15,600 animals were sold, resulting in a turnover of Rs 365 million. Trader Gyan Kumar Shrestha noted that adverse weather conditions led to a reduction of approximately 1,450 animals arriving from Upper Dolpa compared to last year, which contributed to higher market prices.
Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda, Lomanthang, and Baragung Muktichhetra rural municipalities are the primary production hubs in Mustang. These animals are highly sought after during Dashain and Tihar due to their diet of high-altitude herbs. Farmers explain that it typically takes three years to raise an animal for meat production, with prime mountain goats requiring up to four years.
Farmer Angyal Gurung highlighted the logistical challenges, noting that floods and landslides made it difficult to transport the livestock to market. He added that protecting the herds from wildlife in grazing areas and managing them alongside other traders’ flocks remains difficult. Officials estimate that an additional Rs 20 million in sales will occur during the upcoming Tihar festival.
