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Middlebury College

Publication Date

Spring 2023

Program Name

Nepal: Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples

Abstract

Cheesemaking in Nepal is full of love, passion, and creativity. What began as a Swiss development project in the 1950s has now grown into a full-fledged industry, providing jobs, creative outlets, and cultural expression for many. Nepal’s Dairy Development Corporation owns several factories throughout the country, setting the tone for the industry by establishing the standard price for milk and process for cheesemaking. From there, privately held factories innovate and compete, bringing new products to the market and increasing wages, but also struggle with consistency and reliability. Now, Nepal’s cheesemaking market is at a turning point—much of the herding population is abandoning the time-honored tradition in pursuit of economic betterment—creating a struggle between the ways of the past and the ways of the future. To explore this challenging and changing dichotomy I examine both government-owned factories and the private industry and investigate the benefits and drawbacks of each. By understanding the different models and production and struggles of herders, I strive to recognize the value tradeoffs of each method, seeking a more sustainable and equitable future for herders and cheesemakers alike.

Disciplines

Agricultural and Resource Economics | Asian Studies | Dairy Science | Food Studies | Sustainability

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