Traders say mountain goats supplies will be affected as they have become dearer in Tibet itself due to depreciation of Nepali rupee vis-à-vis Chinese Yuan. “Also, some groups are creating disruption in movement of mountain goats in districts bordering Tibet,” Deepak Thapa, president of Nepal Livestock Traders Association, said.[break]
Traders expect only around 3,500 mountain goats to enter the Kathmandu Valley this Dashain. Last year, they had sold around 5,000 mountain goats. Two years ago, traders had brought around 9,000 mountain goats to the Valley.
Chinese Yuan is worth around Rs 16 at present. During Dashain last year, Yuan was valued Rs 13.44.
“Many traders are not bringing mountain goats to the Valley this Dashain as they feel they won´t be able to recover even their investment,” Thapa added. “Also, different groups have been pestering traders seeking donation. Some have even been looting mountain goats from traders.”
Nepal has to rely on Tibet for mountain goats because domestic production can´t meet the inflated festive demand.
According to the traders, Mustang is the only district that supplies mountain goats to the Valley. Until last year, the district was supplying around 5,000 mountain goats to the Valley.
Traders say supplies of mountain goats will decline further if the government failed to put in place proper security measures in time. “The government should beef up security and control groups that pester traders and farmers” Thapa said.
At present, live mountain goat is available at Rs 500 kg. Thapa, however, said the price could go above Rs 600 per kg during Dashain.
Mountain goats meant for Dashain will enter the Valley after a week, according to Thapa.
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