Border closures raise fears of costlier Dashain meat; chyangra sales begin in Pokhara

Traders say Kathmandu valley's meat market has been affected even as Dashain is already underway, after floods and landslides blocked major highways.

With the main entry points for goats and sheep into the valley closed, concerns have grown that meat prices will rise abnormally.

Traders say supply has fallen and prices have risen because the Food Management and Trading Company is not bringing in goats and sheep this year.

Traders estimate that about 24,000 to 25,000 goats and sheep will arrive at Kalanki market this year. The retail price of meat has reached about Rs 850 to Rs 860 per kg.

Meanwhile, chyangra (mountain sheep) sales for Dashain have begun in Pokhara. Traders have started bringing chyangra from Himalayan districts including Dolpa, Mugu and Mustang to sell. Crowds of customers have gathered to buy chyangra at Jaubari Yamdi, Pokhara Metropolitan City-1.