Chyangra and sheep prices drop ahead of Dashain

The price of Himalayan goats, locally called “Chyangra,” has gone down this Dashain season. Traders and customers say the rates are lower compared to last year, making it easier for many families to enjoy goat meat during the festival.

Cheaper than last year

Last year, people were paying around 40,000 rupees for a goat. This year, the same goat can be found for about 35,000 rupees. On a per-kilo basis, the price has dropped by 50 to 100 rupees. For many middle-class families, this has opened the door to celebrate Dashain with traditional goat dishes at a more affordable cost.

Why the price dropped

According to the Livestock Traders Association, goats are coming not just from Mustang but also from Dolpa, Mugu, Jumla, and Tibet. At the same time, the overall demand has fallen due to political and economic uncertainty. These factors have pulled the prices down.

Large supply to big cities

In the last ten days, more than 2,500 goats were brought from Mustang to Kathmandu. Last year, the price per kilo in Kathmandu was 1,300 rupees. This year, it has gone down to 1,250 rupees. Big cities like Pokhara, Chitwan, Butwal, and Kathmandu are receiving most of their supply from Mustang this season.

Nutritious and traditional

Goat meat from the Himalayan region is believed to be healthy, full of energy, and tasty because the animals graze on herbal plants. That is why many families prefer Mustang goats during Dashain.

Big business for farmers

This year alone, over 14,600 goats worth more than 350 million rupees have been sold from Mustang and surrounding districts. Farmers usually sell a goat for around 35,000 rupees and sheep for 28,000 rupees. For upper Mustang farmers, goat farming is the main source of income.

Challenges for herders

Farmers face tough challenges while raising goats. Attacks by snow leopards and wolves are common, and lack of grass during dry winters makes it harder to keep the animals alive. Too much snow can also kill many animals due to food shortage.