Flour

Flour and its consumption in Nepal:

Flour is a staple ingredient in Nepal, used in various dishes and breads. While rice remains the dominant grain, wheat flour consumption has been steadily increasing in recent years. Here's a breakdown:

Types of Flour:

• Wheat Flour: The most common type, used for making rotis, noodles, bread, and pastries.
• Maize Flour: Used for making local breads like roti and sattu, and snacks like chiura.
• Buckwheat Flour: Used in the mountainous regions for making rotis and pancakes.
• Millet Flour: Used in some parts of Nepal for making rotis and porridge.

Consumption Trends:

• Increasing: Wheat flour consumption has been growing, driven by urbanization, rising incomes, and changing dietary preferences.
• Per Capita: Estimates suggest an average per capita consumption of around 50 kg/year, higher than earlier projections.
• Total Consumption: Nepal's total wheat flour consumption is estimated to be around 1.4 million tonnes annually.

Production and Imports:

• Domestic production: Nepal produces around 650,000 tonnes of flour annually through its 36 flour mills.
• Imports: Imports of wheat and flour have increased recently, especially after India's wheat export ban.
• Impact on Mills: Increased imports put pressure on domestic flour mills, raising concerns about their sustainability.

Challenges and Opportunities:

• Food Security: Ensuring sufficient and affordable flour supply remains a challenge for Nepal.
• Domestic Production: Promoting domestic wheat production and flour milling is crucial for self-sufficiency.
• Value Addition: Diversifying flour products and adding value can create new opportunities.