Mustang sees transactions of Himalayan goat and sheep worth Rs 160 million during Dashain

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 15: The Mustang district recorded transactions of Himalayan goats and sheep amounting to Rs 160 million during the Dashain festival.

According to the Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service Centre in Mustang, 4,800 Himalayan goats raised by local farmers and 3,000 additional goats brought from Dolpa and Mugu districts were sold in the region.

Lal Mani Aryal, chief of the Centre, reported that a total of 7,500 chyangra (Himalayan goats) and 500 sheep were sold. Farmers in Mustang sold the goats at prices ranging between Rs 28,000 and Rs 38,000, depending on their weight.

Last year, around 7,000 goats and sheep were sold in the district. Buyers came from areas such as Myagdi, Baglung, Parbat, Kaski, and Kathmandu.

Traders expressed satisfaction with the increased production and higher market prices compared to previous years. Arjun Paudel, a resident of Beni in Myagdi, noted that goats raised in the highlands are preferred for their healthy and nutritious qualities, as they graze on pastures rich in medicinal herbs.

Chyangra and sheep are particularly popular during festivals like Dashain and Tihar. The goats typically reach slaughter age at around three years old.

Gharapjhong, Loghekar Damodarkunda, Baragung Muktichhetra, and Lomanthang are well-known hubs for chyangra farming, which serves as a primary source of income for local farmers.