Opinion | Can the government reform the struggling DDC?
Summary
Prime Minister Balendra Shah's social media promotion of yak cheese, a product of the struggling state-owned Dairy Development Corporation, sparked a surge in demand, highlighting the need for long-term reforms in Nepal's dairy sector.
Key Points
- Prime Minister Balendra Shah promoted yak cheese produced by the state-owned Dairy Development Corporation on social media, leading to a 30% surge in demand.
- The Dairy Development Corporation has been struggling financially with decreased demand and delayed payments to farmers.
- Challenges for yak cheese include declining yak farmers, limited pastures, disease, poor infrastructure, and lack of veterinary services.
- Long-term reforms including investment in technology, diversification of milk products, timely payments to farmers, and boosting dairy exports are essential for sector revival.
