Animal Service Department Director General Dr. Umesh Dahal Discusses Livestock Sector and Meat Inspection Act
Summary
Animal Service Department Director General Dr. Umesh Dahal says Nepal’s livestock sector is moving toward export growth, with rising self-sufficiency in vaccines and expanding animal-product trade. He also outlines a phased rollout of the Slaughterhouse and Meat Inspection Act to improve hygiene, regulate meat sales, and protect public health.
Key Points
- Dr. Umesh Dahal says the Department of Animal Services now shares responsibilities with provincial and local governments under federalism, though technical reporting remains a challenge.
- Nepal’s livestock sector is described as trade-surplus overall, with major exports including chhurpi, buffalo hides, buffalo meat, and dog chews.
- The government is preparing to expand buffalo meat exports and has intensified foot-and-mouth disease control to support chilled-meat processing and trade with China.
- The Slaughterhouse and Meat Inspection Act will be implemented in phases starting in the Kathmandu Valley, with hygiene standards and meat stamping central to enforcement.
