SUDURPASCHIM: Milk availability in Sudurpaschim Province has risen to 120–130 liters per capita per year, driven largely by the commercialization of milk production. About 15 years ago, per capita availability was significantly lower.
Secretary of the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Shankar Sah, said, “Earlier, milk was produced only for household consumption, but in recent years, commercial production has increased both availability and economic benefits.” According to him, 60,000–70,000 farmers in the province are involved in milk production, with 10,000–12,000 receiving direct employment from the sector.
The Ministry reports that one million cows and 500,000 buffaloes are being reared across the province’s nine districts, producing 355,000 metric tons of milk annually. While the national per capita target is 92 liters per year, Nepal’s average availability is 90 liters, and Sudurpaschim surpasses this figure.
“Domestic consumption drives this higher availability. Most families here traditionally make ghee, curd, mohi, and other dairy products at home,” Secretary Sah added.
Agricultural experts suggest that branding local milk and dairy products could help Sudurpaschim create a distinct identity. Secretary Sah expressed optimism: “If ghee, curd, chhurpi, paneer, and other products are promoted by linking them with local taste and culture, it could contribute significantly to the province’s economic transformation.”
The province’s mountainous geography, rural lifestyle, and traditional food culture give its dairy production a unique character compared to other regions. Despite challenges such as limited infrastructure, difficult terrain, and market access, production volumes have steadily increased.
Currently, 33 dairy industries operate across the province, and some milk even reaches as far as Chitwan and Bhaktapur. However, issues remain in systematic marketing, milk processing, powder plants, cold storage, transportation, and pricing, which continue to hinder the sector’s full potential.
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