Goat Trade Surges in Dharan Ahead of Festive Season

Livestock transactions at the Dharan Agricultural Produce Market in Sunsari have expanded significantly ahead of Dashain and Tihar, with trade volumes already tracking 15 percent higher than in preceding years, according to local news reports. The facility, situated in Dharan-13, acts as a primary trading centre for livestock brought from both southern Tarai plains and eastern hill districts such as Dhankuta and Panchthar.

According to Laxman Bhattarai, chairman of the market management committee, dedicated goat sessions held on Thursdays and Fridays are handling over 10,000 animals per week, up from the standard weekly volume of roughly 3,000. In the 2082/83 fiscal year, the market logged around 160,000 goat sales valued at nearly Rs 3 billion, including Rs 460 million generated during the festive season alone.

Wholesale buyers regularly redistribute goats purchased in Dharan to major consumption destinations across the country, including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Janakpur, Lahan, Itahari, and Inaruwa. Officials expect total commercial turnover to increase further throughout the festive period.