A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Nepal and China’s private sector to export processed buffalo meat worth USD 1.5 billion annually from Nepal.
The MoU was signed on Monday by Himalayan Food International of Nepal and Shanghai Ziyan Food Company Limited.
Under the agreement, Himalayan Food International will export 2.7 million metric tonnes of meat annually in the first phase.
A fully automated animal slaughterhouse will be built in collaboration with Himalayan Food International within the next six months, according to the MoU.
It is worth noting that during Minister KP Sharma Oli’s recent official visit to China, Nepal and China signed a protocol to facilitate the export of processed buffalo meat.
Himalayan Food International, established in 2011, focuses on the export of processed meat, while Shanghai Ziyan Food Company operates more than 6,000 outlets across China.
Shanghai Ziyan Food Company has also expressed interest in investing Rs 20 billion in Nepal and providing technical assistance for buffalo husbandry, according to Dr. Navin Kumar Sharma, Chairperson of the Animal Slaughter House Entrepreneurs Association.
Dr. Sharma believes this collaboration will benefit Nepali youth involved or interested in animal husbandry.
At the signing ceremony, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari reiterated Nepal’s commitment to exporting buffalo meat to China, in accordance with Chinese government standards. He expressed that the agreement would encourage Nepali farmers engaged in animal husbandry. “We are working to ensure the export of quality products by improving the production standards of Nepal’s goods,” the Minister said, promising effective enforcement of laws related to animal slaughterhouses and meat inspection.
He also assured the introduction of necessary policies to promote animal husbandry.
Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation Balaram Adhikari emphasized that the agreement would significantly contribute to job creation and economic growth in Nepal. He recommended identifying suitable areas for buffalo rearing to initiate the venture with relatively low investment.
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song expressed his satisfaction with the implementation of the agreement, which had been formalized during Prime Minister Oli’s visit to China.
Dr. Umesh Dahal, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, reported that commercial buffalo rearing is currently being carried out in 30 local levels to prevent a shortage of meat.
