Import of mountain goats from Tibet obstructed as Korala border point remains closed

Published On: September 27, 2022 12:40 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

BAGLUNG, Sept 27: In the wake of the Dashain festival, the traders have brought Chyangras - mountain goats - from Mustang. The markets in Baglung, Parbat and the vicinity witnessed the arrival of mountain goats.

However, it has taken a long time for the traders to collect mountain goats for the festival.

A Baglung-based trader, Mahendra KC said four traders- two from Parbat and two from Kathmandu- jointly brought 250 chyangras for the Dashain festival. Some of these goats would be supplied to Kathmandu while most of them would be sold in Baglung and Parbat. Six persons were involved in the collection and supply of the mountain goats, according to him.

Other traders were also bringing the mountain goats from Mustang. Jomsom, Kagbeni and Chamar are some places where such hairy goats are raised. They are supplied to other places via Myagdi, Baglung and Parbat.

The Mustang goats are supplied to Pokhara and Kathmandu cities every year.

KC, who has been buying and selling chyangras for seven years, said, "A healthy and fleshy Chyangra costs Rs 40,000 in Mustang itself. It is sold at Rs 45,000 or more." He is worried that mountain goats were not imported from Tibet this year. Mustang too does not have enough production.

As the Korala border point between Nepal and China remains closed, the traders are unable to import the mountain goats from Tibet. Only Mustang chayangras are not enough to meet the market demand.

Due to low production, the price has been hiked. It was only two years back that a good chyangra used to cost Rs 27,000, but it has risen to Rs 40,000 now.

A trader at Kusma, Raju Pun, said many old traders did not go to Mustang to collect chyangras because of the soaring prices. "This year, trading chyangras is not lucrative," he observed.

A few years back, Baglung alone saw the arrival of over 2,000 chyangras, but the situation is not so now. The way to commute is difficult, they shared.

Although it is expensive, many people yearn to have chyangra meat in their Dashain cuisine.

The traders are also of the view that the price of the mountain goat went up also because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is believed that Chyangra meat is tasty and healthier too. Although normal goats are available around the year for meat, chyangras are in special demand during the festival.

(RSS)