Nepal’s unique black pig breed faces identity crisis

By Kabiraj Ghimire,Hile, Jan. 29: The Pakhribas Kalo Bangur (black pig) is a popular breed among farmers, entrepreneurs, and consumers. 

Known for its suitability to Nepal’s climate, the Pakhribas Kalo Bangur was developed in the early 1980s through interbreeding of Tamworth, Saddleback, and Fayoumi breeds to meet the demands of farmers in the eastern hills, said Dr. Manoj Kumar Shah, head of the National Pig Research Programme. 

Its black colour and high productivity have made it highly popular, he added. 

This is the only breed developed within Nepal, said Dr. Shah, adding, “Local breeds such as Chwanche, Hurra, and Bamphudke have existed traditionally, but the Pakhribas Kalo Bangur is a unique development, created by adapting foreign breeds to Nepal’s conditions.”

The breed’s ability to thrive in any weather, hot or cold, has made it popular among farmers and consumers.

Despite its popularity, the breed has struggled to reach the market with its trademark and original name. 

Presently, the breed is marketed under the name Dharane Kalo Bangur. 

The office claims that traders began selling the Pakhribas Kalo Bangur under this name, as pigs from the eastern hills were previously collected in Dharan before being supplied elsewhere. 

However, there is no official registration or recommendation for any breed named Dharane Kalo Bangur by government agencies.

The Pakhribas Kalo Bangur is known for its black colour, medium build, fast growth compared to local breeds, high litter size, ability to adapt to adverse conditions, ease of rearing in rural settings, and high resistance to diseases and parasites. 

These qualities have made it highly sought after, said Manoj Bhandari, a technical expert at the centre. 

He added that it can be raised like local breeds but offers production comparable to imported ones, increasing its demand.

Recently, demands have raised for establishing the market identity of the breed. Concerns have also been raised about preserving its original name and characteristics.

According to agriculture activist Jivan Prasad Rai, branding Pakhribas Kalo Bangur could benefit not just Dhankuta but the entire eastern region. “Currently, it is only raised in eastern Nepal. Branding it and expanding it to other parts of Nepal could bring widespread benefits,” he said.