Processed buffalo meat worth $1.5 billion to be exported to China annually

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Kathmandu, 16 December: Nepal has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chinese private companies to annually export processed buffalo meat worth $1.5 billion.

The agreement was signed between Nepal’s Himalayan Food International and China’s Shanghai Ziyan Food Company Limited during a programme on Monday. According to the MoU, Himalayan Food International will export 2.7 million metric tonnes of buffalo meat annually in the first phase.

A fully automated animal slaughterhouse will be established in collaboration with Himalayan Food International within six months, as outlined in the agreement. This follows a protocol signed during former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s recent official visit to China to facilitate buffalo meat exports.

Established in 2011, Himalayan Food International specialises in processed meat exports. Shanghai Ziyan Food Company, with over 6,000 outlets in China, has committed to investing Rs 20 billion in Nepal and providing technical assistance for buffalo husbandry, according to Dr Navin Kumar Sharma, Chairperson of the Animal Slaughterhouse Entrepreneurs Association.

Dr Sharma stated that this collaboration would benefit Nepali youths engaged in or aspiring to join animal husbandry.

During the MoU signing, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari reiterated Nepal’s commitment to meeting Chinese standards for buffalo meat exports. He emphasised the government’s efforts to ensure quality production and pledged to enforce laws related to slaughterhouses and meat inspection.

Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation Balaram Adhikari highlighted the potential for job creation and economic growth. He advised identifying suitable areas for buffalo rearing and starting the venture with minimal investment.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song expressed satisfaction over the agreement’s implementation, which stemmed from the protocol signed during PM Oli’s visit.

Dr Umesh Dahal, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, noted that commercial buffalo rearing was already being carried out in 30 local levels to address potential meat shortages.