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.