KATHMANDU, June 30: Asar 15 (June 30), also known as National Paddy Day, is a day celebrated across the country by enjoying a traditional meal of curds and beaten rice. This auspicious occasion sees a significant surge in curd consumption compared to other days of the year.
In preparation for this day, both the Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) and private dairies begin their arrangements a few days in advance. The Nepal Dairy Association (NDA) estimates that over six million liters of curd will be consumed throughout the country on June 30 alone.
On a regular day, the daily curd sales amount to approximately 1.1 to 1.2 million liters. However, on the National Paddy Day, the demand for curd increases fivefold according to the NDA.
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Based on an average price of Rs 120 per liter, this translates to a staggering consumption worth 720 million rupees on June 30 alone.
NDA President, Prahlad Dahal attributes this year's projected six million liters of curd consumption to the prevailing economic downturn. He further mentions that curd consumption tends to decrease by 20 percent if it rains on this special day.
Under normal circumstances, 3.1 million liters of raw milk are collected, with 50 percent being allocated to the milk market. Out of the remaining milk, 35 percent is utilized for curd production, while 15 percent is used for making butter and other food items.
Rajendra Prasad Adhikari, the information officer at the DDC, said that curd consumption is expected to be higher on June 30, and appropriate plans were put in place to meet the demand. Last year, the DDC alone sold 70,000 liters of yogurt to meet the rising demand.
