By Keshav Raj Poudel, Kathmandu, Feb. 6: After the outbreak of novel coronavirus in China, consumption of masks in Nepali markets have increased notably, thereby leading to shortage of masks.

The mask producers, however, have said that they could produce as much masks the society demands, if the government gives direction to them.

Currently, about two dozen mask producing industries associated with the Federation of Nepali Cottage and Small Industries (FNCSI) are operating in Nepal.

“These industries have been producing masks proportionate to the market demand,” said Umesh Prasad Singh, Chairman of FNCSI.

“We are ready to produce sufficient masks, if the government directs us to,” he said.

Singh said that even though Nepal was capable to be independent on production of masks, the government didn’t stop importing masks from foreign countries.

The government tendency to overlook home products has left the mask industries on the verge of being closed.

Considering the risk of the epidemic, the government has halted exporting of masks from Nepal.

The cottage and small industries claim that they are able to produce quality mask of all kinds. We have only been overshadowed by imported masks, they said.

“As Nepal is in utmost risk of being affected by novel coronavirus, supply of masks could be essential any time,” said Singh.

He said, “The Nepali market is observing shortage of masks because the government never thought that in-house production of masks was essential during epidemic outbreaks.”

Singh said that the small industries had been producing all kinds of masks, with cost ranging from Rs. 20 to Rs. 1,000.

“The importation of Chinese masks had outshined us in the market even though we have been producing masks for a long time,” said Singh. “Even though the mask industries are on the verge of being closed, we can produce masks required all over Nepal in two days if the government directs us.”

Binod Manandhar, General Secretary, Chemical and Medical Suppliers Association of Nepal said that the importation of masks had stopped from February 1.

Availability of N-95 masks stopped in Nepali market after India halted exporting masks to Nepal, Manandhar said. “We have decided to inform about shortfall of masks to the concerned authority of the government tomorrow.”

“Masks are brought to Nepal from China, Malaysia, Turkey and India, via India,” Manandhar said. “The market demand of masks have increased as all the masks coming to Nepal are being accumulated in India.”