According to the World Food Organization, a person needs 91 liters of milk, 48 eggs, and 14kg of meat a year. Former prime minister KP Oli had declared Nepal self-sufficient in meat and eggs on 25 March 2021, claiming that each Nepali was consuming 55 eggs and 22kg of meat annually. But Nepal’s poultry and fish farmers still have a long way to go when it comes to finding good markets and bringing out quality products. Pratik Ghimire of ApEx talked to Tulasi Prasad Paudel, a senior scientist specializing in animal research, who is also director at the government-run National Animal Science Research Institute (NASRI).
What are the institution’s core work areas?
We are involved in livestock farming and fishery. This institution monitors, coordinates, and regulates the capacity-building of farmers and other human resources. Similarly, we cooperate with governmental- and non-governmental organizations as well as educational institutions. Our institute also invents various technologies and distributes them to farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs with additional residential training opportunities.
What are you currently working on?
NASRI is developing new breeds of goats, cows, and buffaloes. For example, crosses of wild buffalo and domestic buffalo have been found to produce robust breeds. We conduct similar research on other animals.
Animal food determines the quality and quantity of milk so we’re developing affordable alternatives to ordinary feeds. Timing of feeding and heat stress also affects milk-production. We are conducting a series of experiments to help animals and farmers on this front as well.
We are developing animal medicine and vaccines. The severity of animal diseases varies on parameters like temperature, altitude, topography, food type, etc. and hence we can't rely on imported medicines.
Is there enough funding for your research?
Developed countries allocate over five percent of their total annual budget to agricultural and livestock research; the minimum global requirement is three percent of total budget. Developing countries generally allocate one to two percent of their annual budget. But in the past three decades, the Nepal government has spared a paltry 0.2-0.3 percent, or just six percent of the minimum recommendation.
What is the scope of animal farming in Nepal?
Good, I must say. We are still dependent on imported milk and dairy products. The Nepali market is filled with international brands of milk powder, cheese, and butter. We are independent in chicken meat and eggs yet there are other types of meats and fish we can work on.
Despite having a good scope, we lack market reach. If the government could increase the access of our local products to the core markets, our situation will drastically improve.
What do you suggest to the individuals who want to get into professional farming?
The farms that are doing profitable business all did good homework before starting out as. They consulted experts, took training, and relied on scientific research. I suggest the same for aspiring farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs.
