Dealers anticipate increased demand for Dashain goats as the economy improves.

The decrease in meat consumption during Dashain and the increase in feed prices had a severe impact on the livestock industry.

The economic downturn and rising unemployment rates have also decreased urban household earnings this year, which has decreased demand for beef. Farmers in rural areas have been impacted by this.

Traders are feeling upbeat about Dashain, though, as they are witnessing indications of a recovering economy. The 10-day celebration kicks off on October 3.

Between 50,000 and 55,000 goats are thought to have been eaten in the Kathmandu valley during Dashain.

They predict that this year's demand in the Valley will exceed 70,000 heads, which is equivalent to the pre-Covid era.

The president of the Kalanki Khasi Bazaar, one of the oldest livestock markets in Kathmandu, Janak Kumar Khadka, stated that merchants will be bringing approximately 45,000 live goats to the goat market this year.

Goats, believed to number 25,000, are also sent to Kathmandu by farmers from other regions.

"We'll set aside additional stalls for farmers who come to the market to sell goats on their own," stated Khadka.

Farmers now find themselves in a worse financial position as a result of rising operating costs driving up expenses. The decline in meat and dairy product consumption is another cause. Private and state-owned dairy farms have been failing to pay their farmers for months.

According to economists, the decline in real incomes has caused consumption to slow down, and urban households' finances are becoming more precarious as a result of increased rates of fraud in the cooperative sector, falling real estate and stock values, and increasing unemployment.

Although last year's holiday mood was somewhat sapped by the economic downturn, traders are feeling rather hopeful this year.

Although official data on festival expenditure is unavailable, September through November is when Nepal's economy peaks.

According to some economists, the three major holidays of Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath account for 40–70% of market activity.

Many people are thought to save money all year long in order to attend these festivals.

Employees of banks, businesses, and the government get bonuses during festivals, and suppliers are eager to take advantage of the higher demand.

The financial crisis of last Dashain compelled shoppers to make fewer purchases. Banks, however, have enough liquidity this year, and traders anticipate higher sales.

The expense of production has already caused the price of goats to soar, but traders predict that this Dashain, the price will be steady.

The event is marked by feasts and animal sacrifices, with tens of thousands of animals and birds killed during the largest celebration in the nation.

Khadka stated that there wouldn't be any imports because local production will be adequate to cover the needs of the Valley. "Prices may remain unchanged at the current market rate due to the normal supply trend."

The market price range for live goats is between Rs 660 and Rs 670 per kg.

Goats under 25 kilogram were sold for Rs570 per kg during the previous Dashain, while those over 25 kg were priced at Rs560 per kg.

The Food Management and Trading Company sells goats and mountain goats during Dashain in order to monitor prices, which have a tendency to increase during festivals.

It intends to import 1,800 mountain goats and goats this year.

The Food Management and Trading Company's communication officer, Sharmila Neupane Subedi, stated, "We have allocated around Rs40 million to buy goats." "Internal sources have been used to manage the budget."

Goats and mountain goats are scheduled to arrive at the firm's office on October 3, which is Ghatasthapana day, according to the company. The primary sources of goats are Mustang mountain goats and Hetauda and Dang goats.

There are four corporate locations in the Valley where the animals will be sold. Goat prices on Ghatasthapana would also be set by the state-run enterprise.

"We will set it based on the buying rate, even though market prices fluctuate," Subedi declared. "However, based on market observations, I don't believe the price will go up."

Since several animals perished last year due to improper management, the company intends to decrease the number of animals.

542 mountain goats and 1,659 goats were provided by the company for Dashain last year. According to Subedi, some forty-two goats perished as a result of the livestock being housed in unfavorable weather conditions for an extended period of time.

On the seventh, eighth, and ninth days of Dashain, the majority of goat and mountain goat sales take place.

Dealers predicted that sales will increase starting on the seventh day of Dashain this year, since the ninth and eighth days coincide.