Kathmandu. Nepal Dairy Association (NDA) has estimated that around 7.5 million litres of curd would be consumed across the country and Rs 1 billion would be traded on the occasion of National Paddy Day and Asar 15 Planting Festival 2083.
Association Chair Prahlad Dahal said Asar 15 is a festival inseparably linked to agriculture, culture, tradition, food security and rural economy.
According to him, the tradition of eating curd and beaten rice along with paddy plantation has been continuing the unique culture, social unity and lifestyle of the Nepali society for generations.
He said the programme has been launched in collaboration with the government, cooperatives, private sector and other stakeholders in the national slogan ‘people-friendly technology, self-reliance on paddy and prosperity’.
According to Dahal, the Nepal Dairy Association has been continuously working for the development of dairy sector, increase in production and consumption of milk and milk products, protection of farmers’ interests and promotion of domestic production. “Since dairy sector is directly related to the livelihood of millions of farmer families, its sustainable development is very important for the national economy, nutritional security and rural prosperity,” he said.
He said that the tradition of eating curd and beaten rice on Asar 15 is not only a cultural practice but also a living example of agricultural production, respect for labour, utilization of local products and social harmony.
He said that the practice of consuming curd and beaten rice after hard work in the fields would provide energy to the farming community and strengthen respect for labour and the sense of collectivity.
Stating that such traditions were gradually disappearing in recent period, he stressed the need to pass on Nepal’s unique culture, agricultural tradition and lifestyle to the new generation through such programmes.
He said that curd and beaten rice are not only Nepal’s original dishes but also a very important food addition from the point of view of nutrition and health.
According to him, it improves digestion, keeps the body hydrated, strengthens bones and teeth, boosts immunity and provides natural coolness to the body in the hot season.
Dahal said that the consumption of curd and milk products will increase significantly on the occasion of June 15, which will directly benefit the dairy farmers, dairy cooperatives and dairy industries. He expressed the belief that increasing consumption of domestic products would contribute positively to sustainable development of agriculture and dairy sector, increase farmers’ income and strengthen national economy.
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