As per the existing rules, poultry products can be imported in Nepal only after conducting quarantine tests at customs points.The government has put a ban on supplies and sales of poultry products in the Kathmandu Valley. This has affected poultry business across the country. [break]
Acting on the complaints of local poultry entrepreneurs, police on Sunday night took a van loaded with chicken illegally imported from India under their control. A police team led by Shovan Bikram Rana, Sub-Inspector at Area Police office, Rajapur, seized 260 kg of dressed chicken imported from India.
Rana told Reublica that the van (with registration NA 2 Cha 8029) has also been taken into control. “The smugglers were illegally importing chicken from Ghodasahan of India and supplying to Bankul market of Rautahat in the name of Trishakti Poultry Supplier,” added Rana.
Govinda Ram Pariyar, chief of District Police Office, Rautahat, said police have arrested Raj Bansha, driver of the van, and supplier Rakesh Jaisawal.
They have been handed over to the District Quarantine Office, Rautahat for necessary action.
According to sources, smugglers are illegally importing poultry products from different entry points including Oraiya, Jainagar, Bankul, Laxmipur, Belbichhawa, Mathiya and Banjahara.
Devendra Yadav, chief of District Quarantine Office, Rautahat, said illegally imported 1,450 heads of broiler chicken, 2,620 chicks and 996 pieces of eggs have been seized over the past two months.
Officials said smugglers are taking advantage of supply deficit in domestic market to supply Indian poultry products which are comparatively cheaper than Nepali products.
Dharma Nath Jaisawal, proprietor of Rautahat Poultry Breeding Research, said most of the poultry farms operating in the bordering areas are using chicks illegally smuggled from India.
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