Meat Price Hikes Strain Dashain Budgets
Summary
Meat prices have risen sharply ahead of Dashain, with goat meat in the Kathmandu Valley selling for up to Rs. 1,800 per kilogram and likely to climb further as demand peaks. The absence of the state-owned Food Management and Trading Company from the market and continued supply pressures have left consumers facing higher festive costs.
Key Points
- Goat meat prices in the Kathmandu Valley have climbed to as high as Rs. 1,800 per kilogram ahead of Dashain, with traders warning they could reach Rs. 2,000 from Phulpati onward.
- Higher seasonal demand and supply pressures are pushing up live goat prices and retail meat prices across the market.
- The state-owned Food Management and Trading Company has skipped livestock sales for the second straight Dashain, reducing cheaper options for consumers.
- The Department of Livestock Services is stepping up health inspections and marking healthy goats with green labels to help buyers identify safe livestock.
