KATHMANDU: Businesspersons in Nepal have urged Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak to strengthen border controls to prevent the spread of bird flu, following its detection in neighboring India.
The businesspersons, representing the poultry industry, met Lekhak to express concerns over the illegal smuggling of poultry products, including white eggs, meat, and chicks, across the border.
During the meeting, Lekhak assured the businesspersons that he would instruct the heads of police organizations to prevent any poultry products from entering Nepal illegally.
Binod Pokharel, President of the Nepal Layers Poultry Farmers Association, expressed confidence in the administration’s commitment to addressing the issue.
Pokharel highlighted that bird flu has been detected in India’s Uttar Pradesh and Bihar states, with more than 30% of Indian white eggs crossing into Nepal’s border regions and local markets.
He highlighted the potential risk of the disease entering Nepal, which could severely impact the local egg market.
A memorandum was submitted by outgoing president Rajendra Lamichhane and Pokharel on behalf of the Poultry Entrepreneurs Forum, urging the government to act promptly.
Lamichhane, also the senior vice president of the Hatchery Industry Association, raised concerns about the free flow of eggs, meat, and chicks at the border, urging the government to address the issue after security agencies failed to take effective action.
The meeting was attended by various representatives from poultry-related organizations, including association general secretary Bheshraj Aryal.
Comment