Nepal plans to triple poultry business in 15 years

Nepal's government has introduced a poultry policy that aims to triple the per-capita consumption and availability of chicken and eggs in the next 15 years by encouraging the commercialization of poultry in areas where necessary infrastructures are already in place, according to reports.
Current average per-capita consumption of poultry meat and eggs stands at 9 kg and 120 pieces. "The long-awaited poultry policy has envisaged strategies including prioritizing the poultry sector for government support programs so as to encourage massive commercialization of this emerging sector that has already seen an investment of over Rs 30 billion (US$385.8 million),” said Dr. Til Chandra Bhattarai, Nepal poultry industry expert.
The policy focuses on incentives such as interest subsidies, exceptions on customs duties and import taxes related to poultry equipment, and simplification of registration. Research and development of new breeds of chicken, promotion of local breeds in areas where infrastructure is still not in place and encouraging insurance against natural disasters are also part of the new policy. Nepal has also envisioned the grading, labeling and standardization of poultry meat and eggs. The government would extend financial and technical support to establish market centers and an Export Processing Zone for market promotion of poultry products. The policy has also underlined the need to encourage the private sector to set up slaughter houses and meat processing facilities. The policy provides for the establishment of a directive committee to develop the poultry sector on public private partnership and cooperative models.