Korean Technology in Animal Medicine Now in Nepal: A Historic Leap by Kantipur Pharmaceuticals
Nepalhealthnews, Kathmandu: Nepal’s livestock sector stands at a new turning point. Breaking free from dependency, for the first time, Nepal is set to produce animal medicines using advanced Korean technology. At the center of this historic development is Kantipur Pharmaceuticals Lab Limited (KPL).
For years, farmers engaged in livestock farming have had one consistent complaint: “Lack of quality medicine and dependence on expensive foreign imports.” But now, that reality is set to change. KPL has entered into an ambitious technological partnership with South Korea’s multinational company KBNP, sparking hope for a new era in Nepal’s veterinary medicine industry.
The Historic Moment of Agreement
Date: 31st Baisakh 2082 (May 14, 2025)
Location: Hotel Everest, New Baneshwar, Kathmandu
In the presence of the Director General of the Department of Drug Administration, Narayan Prasad Dhakal, Joint Secretary of the Department of Livestock Services, Dr. Salina Manandhar, industry experts, and journalists, a special agreement was signed between KPL and KBNP Korea. The agreement was signed by Hemraj Badal, Chairman of Kantipur Pharmaceuticals, and Hani Swong, Senior Representative of KBNP Korea.
This agreement is not just a business transaction—it is a commitment to produce international-standard veterinary medicines in Nepal.
The Dream of "Made in Nepal" Animal Medicines Now Becoming a Reality
“This partnership with a prestigious multinational like KBNP is a matter of pride for us,” said Chairman Badal. “It will usher in a new era of quality and technology in Nepal’s veterinary pharmaceutical industry. We are moving forward not just in production but also toward self-reliance and export.”
The Korean side is equally enthusiastic. “We see great potential in Nepal,” said Hani Swong of KBNP. “Our collaboration with Kantipur will combine our technology with local expertise to deliver excellent results.”
The Journey of KPL: A Story of Vision, Struggles, and Growth
The journey of Kantipur Pharmaceuticals Lab Limited is not just the story of one company—it is linked to the country’s path to self-reliance. Located in Pachkhal Municipality-7, Kavre, KPL began its commercial operations in 2021 by producing feed supplements. By August 2024, it had started producing allopathic veterinary medicines.
Currently, the company markets 26 different feed supplements under various brands. It has received marketing approval for 70 medicines and production approval for 40 from the Department of Drug Administration. The expansion is not only in numbers but also in terms of quality and innovation.
“Our focus is not just to establish a presence in the market,” said KPL’s Technical Chief Vivek Singh Mahat. “Our goal is to produce high-quality, research-based, and affordable medicines for farmers.”
Korean Technology: More Than Just a Brand, a Reliable Foundation
KPL and KBNP Korea’s relationship is not entirely new. KBNP had been collaborating with KPL in research even before the formal agreement. After successfully passing a quality audit conducted on January 8, 2025, the partnership was formalized.
KBNP is a leading company in South Korea’s animal health sector. It produces vaccines, medicines, nutritional supplements, and disinfectants. Established in 1988, KBNP’s products have reached countries including Pakistan, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and even the USA and Europe. The company is globally recognized for its high-level biological production systems and eco-friendly technology.
From Import Substitution to Export
Livestock farming has become the backbone of many farmers’ economies in Nepal. However, when it comes to animal medicines, the country still relies heavily on imports. This not only drains foreign currency but also sometimes results in substandard medicines.
The partnership between KPL and KBNP has the potential to change this. By replacing imports and producing high-quality medicines domestically at affordable prices, it also opens the door to exports in the future.
IPO Announcement: Public Participation in Industry
KPL, focused on quality production, has also recently announced the issuance of an Initial Public Offering (IPO). This is expected to make the company more transparent, sustainable, and accountable to the public.
“We are not just a commercial entity; we are an industry tied to public interest and farmers,” said Chairman Badal. “That’s why we want to include the general public in this journey.”
The Nepal of Tomorrow: Self-Reliant, Innovative, and Export-Oriented
The entry of Korean technology in veterinary medicine is more than just a technology transfer—it is a step toward a self-reliant Nepal. With a focus on quality, innovation, research, and farmer-centered thinking, KPL’s journey is no longer just a national story. It can become an inspirational example for the South Asian veterinary medicine industry.
A decade from now, we may be able to say: “Nepal didn’t just produce animal medicine—it used technology to transform potential into reality.”
The agreement between Kantipur Pharmaceuticals and KBNP to produce animal medicines in Nepal using Korean technology has been applauded by Director General of the Department of Drug Administration Narayan Dhakal, Chairman of Nepal Pharmacy Council Prajwal Jung Pandey, Chairman of Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal Mahesh Pradhan, Vice President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Hemraj Dhakal, and Department of Livestock Services officials Dr. Sarina Manandhar and Dr. Hemraj Awasthi.
