Mongolia has potential to export far more mutton
EconomyUlaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ Our country has fulfilled over 86 percent of its objectives set in the Action Program of the Government for 2016-2020 to export 50 thousand tons of meat and meat products, highlighted during the discussion themed ‘Opportunities to increase benefits and export of mutton’ took place on December 4 in the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry.
Specifically,
according to customs statistics, Mongolia exported 43.2 thousand tons of meat
in total as of October, of which 27.2 tons of meat and 16 thousand tons of heat
processed meat products. Amount of exported mutton and goat meat reached 3.8
thousand tons this year which was 2.6 thousand in 2017, but it is not sufficient
compared to export of other types of meat. Therefore, there is necessity to increase
opportunities to export mutton. “Sheep and goats dominate in the livestock
population, forming 45.4 per cent and 41.2 per cent respectively. Scholars say
that composition of livestock becomes not proper leading to overgrazing,
pastureland deterioration and weakening productivity. Considering the livestock
population growth and pastureland capacity we have a reserve to export 180
thousand tons of meat annually” said Deputy Minister of Food, Agriculture and
Light Industry J.Saule.
Attendees focused on
how to raise benefits of sheep, which makes up 43.3 percent of whole livestock
population, putting mutton into economic circulation. They agreed that herders
should satisfy livestock sanitation and biosecurity requirements whereas when
making it final products meat producers need to give attention on processing
methods, choosing heat treatment or halal methods.
For mutton export,
Mongolia has been mostly exporting ram lambs. Mutton export to countries in the Middle East
is increasing recently.