Nepal to launch commercial yak cheese production in Dolpa

Commercial yak cheese production is set to launch for the first time in Nepal's Dolpa district, a move expected to boost the local economy. The Jagdulla Rural Municipality and the Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) have signed an agreement to operate a cheese industry at the Bhalu Commercial Chauri Farm.

Under the pact, the DDC will supply essential training and technical expertise for yak cheese production. The rural municipality will then manage the ongoing manufacturing process, with the DDC committed to purchasing the resulting cheese. This collaboration aims to transform traditional yak and chauri farming into a viable commercial venture.

The DDC plans to deploy a technical team from Kathmandu to expedite the setup of the industry. Officials estimate the facility's potential to produce approximately 30 tonnes of yak cheese annually. The region's high altitude, over 4,000 meters, is ideal for yak and chauri husbandry, and the animals' diet of high-altitude plants, including yarsagumba, is anticipated to give the cheese a unique flavor and quality.

This pioneering effort in Nepal's Karnali Province is projected to not only expand the market for local products but also significantly increase the income of farmers engaged in chauri farming.

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the facility has the potential to produce around 30 tonnes of yak cheese annually.