Buying the best: Buyers waiting for bargains two days ahead of Eid

Citizens complain of high prices of sacrificial animals


Photo: Israrul Haq/kashif Zafar October 03, 2014

BAHAWALPUR: Prices of sacrificial animals in Bahawalpur are higher compared to last year’s, a survey by The Express Tribune revealed on Thursday.

In Bahawalpur cattle market, an average goat is available for Rs40,000 to Rs50,000. Buffaloes and cows are available for Rs80,000 to Rs250,000.

With two days left before Eid, most visitors to the market have been content to do window shopping.

Akmal Qureshi, an animal dealer, told The Express Tribune that he had been in the business for 30 years. “This time, we have set the prices higher as compared to previous years. One of the reasons is inflation. The prices of fodder and carriage have increased,” Qureshi said.

He said that most cattle dealers had come to Bahawalpur city from small towns. “They are here to make money. They want to return to their villages with their pockets full of profits,” he said.

Azhar from Yazman was in the market to buy a goat. “I have been roaming around in the market for hours. The prices are quite high. I will return tomorrow hoping that I can get a better bargain,” he said.

A large number of animals have been brought to the market from Cholistan. Muhammad Altaf, a dealer from the area, spoke of drought and other problems. “The population of animals in Cholistan has decreased due to drought and disease. That is why the prices are higher this year,” he said.

Talking to The Express Tribune, a Cholistan Development Authority official, Yaseen Ahmed, said that the government was focusing on developing the livestock sector in Cholistan. “The department officials regularly visit the area to vaccinate the animals,” he said.

Ajmal Khan, a resident of Bahawalpur, said he was looking to buy a goat, but he had been unable to find one in his price range.

Another dealer, Muhammad Ali from Uch Sharif, said that a large number of animals had died in the floods. “There are fewer animals in the market this year. That is why the prices are higher,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 3rd, 2014.

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