The probiotics
The exportation of probiotics presents very little challenges. Due to the size and dimensions of the bags, the manufacturer can easily package 50 onto a pallet, making oversea transportation efficient and fairly simple (details further discussed in Part 2-Export Potential to Nepal, Transport) (Borealis AG, n.d.).
The product may seem somewhat expensive, retailed at $183 per 25kg bag. However, because only a very little quantity is required, 57 g/cow/day, this corresponds to $1.90/cow/day (Nutra-Fix Probiotics, n.d.). When considering the health benefits resulting from the use of the product, this is a rather adequate cost.
The product may seem somewhat expensive, retailed at $183 per 25kg bag. However, because only a very little quantity is required, 57 g/cow/day, this corresponds to $1.90/cow/day (Nutra-Fix Probiotics, n.d.). When considering the health benefits resulting from the use of the product, this is a rather adequate cost.
The barley sprout fodder
Exporting barley sprout fodder wheel would be a very beneficial product to export to Nepal, but also presents many challenges.
One of the main issue with the barley sprout fodder wheel is the lack of power sources in remote Nepalese rural areas. Although the fodder wheel is operated by a motor, a source of electricity would still be required, for the in-floor radiant heat for instance. This issue could be solved by the installation of solar panels on the structure, but this would also represent additional costs.
Another important issue associated with the use of the barley sprout fodder wheel is determining an appropriate location for stability, water sourcing and disposal of waste water. A stable surface is not as much of an issue in the terrain region than in the hills, but in both cases, a level surface of at least 12’ by 16’ is necessary. If this is not available, a cement pad might have to be built, which, once again, would lead to additional fees. Moreover, although the Nutra-Fix fodder wheel requires less water than a typical system, it still needs to be located in proximity to a water source. This issue could possibly be solved by using a portable gravitational water system, such as presented in Melinda Drummond’s export project (AGR*1110*0104).
One of the main issue with the barley sprout fodder wheel is the lack of power sources in remote Nepalese rural areas. Although the fodder wheel is operated by a motor, a source of electricity would still be required, for the in-floor radiant heat for instance. This issue could be solved by the installation of solar panels on the structure, but this would also represent additional costs.
Another important issue associated with the use of the barley sprout fodder wheel is determining an appropriate location for stability, water sourcing and disposal of waste water. A stable surface is not as much of an issue in the terrain region than in the hills, but in both cases, a level surface of at least 12’ by 16’ is necessary. If this is not available, a cement pad might have to be built, which, once again, would lead to additional fees. Moreover, although the Nutra-Fix fodder wheel requires less water than a typical system, it still needs to be located in proximity to a water source. This issue could possibly be solved by using a portable gravitational water system, such as presented in Melinda Drummond’s export project (AGR*1110*0104).
The bottom line
Although both the probiotics and barley sprout fodder wheel are products that can be very useful to Nepalese farmers, and can be transported with little to some difficulties, the cost of these products remains an issue. In order to spread the costs, maximize the use, and share the benefits of Fermentation Supplement for Livestock and barley sprout fodder wheel, they should be retailed to dairy cooperatives rather than individual farmers. Organizations such as Ceci and Samarth (details further discussed in Part 2-Export Potential to Nepal, Marketing), are ideal starting points and contacts to achieve this goal.