Goat Meat Prices Surge Across Nepal as Supply Crunch and Bird Flu Fears Hit Market

Goat meat prices have risen sharply across Kathmandu Valley and other parts of Nepal over the past two weeks, putting additional financial pressure on consumers, particularly low-income households. The retail price of dressed goat meat, which had remained stable at around Rs 1,400 per kilogram, has now climbed to Rs 1,600–1,800 per kilogram. While traders cite reduced chicken consumption due to bird flu fears as one factor driving consumers toward goat meat, industry representatives say the price surge is primarily the result of a severe supply shortage. According to the Nepal Livestock Traders Federation, domestic goat production has declined due to urbanization and reduced livestock farming, while stricter quarantine certification requirements for goat imports from India have significantly disrupted cross-border supply. Seasonal transportation challenges during the monsoon, illegal exports of Nepali goats to India through open border points, and farmers prioritizing agricultural work have further tightened availability. Kathmandu Valley requires around 25,000 goats per month, but recent supply has fallen to only about 10,000, creating a substantial gap between demand and supply. Although the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has carried out market inspections following complaints over rising prices, traders say prices remain elevated, and industry leaders warn that shortages could become even more severe during the upcoming Dashain festival, when demand for goat meat traditionally peaks.