Exporting Heritage Turkeys to Nepal
Alyssa Carter AGR1110
Nepal’s Developing Agricultural Industry
The human population in Nepal is a staggering 24.6 million, with an annual growth rate of 2.3% (FAO, n.d). Total land area in Nepal is 143,000 sqkm, with a total of 50,310sqkm used for agriculture (FAO, n,d). The total livestock GDP is 645 milliom US $, and is 30.0% of the proportion of the country’s agricultural GDP (FAO, n,d). In 2005 the top livestock used for meat production in Nepal were buffalo, goat, sheep, chicken, pig, and duck (Pariyar, 2005), which are all naturally able to rely on very little human interaction to mature and develop. Trends in the annual consumption of meat, and eggs suggest that from 1990-2000 there was a 3.6% growth rate in poultry (FAO, n.d). With a growing demand for meat and eggs already in effect the heritage turkeys have the potential to meet the demands of the Nepalese community.
Turkey and chicken both have very similar nutritional fundamentals. When looking at the nutritional facts both turkey and chicken provide approximately 200 calories, while both providing approximately 24g of protein (USDA, 2011). Turkey ranges slightly higher in the amount of iron it can contribute, and slightly lower in the amount of sodium than chicken (USDA, 2011). With the trend in the annual consumption of meat, and eggs from 1990-2000 being 3.6% growth rate in poultry, turkey will prove to be just a valuable as a food resource as chickens in the Nepalese community (FAO, n.d).
Benefits to Nepal
Nutritional Benefits of Turkey