Worried traders shun cattle market

RAWALPINDI:

Rawalpindi’s first government cattle market, which was auctioned for approximately Rs89 million is currently facing a state of despair with worried cattle traders reluctant to utilise the market.

According to sources, they are grappling with exorbitant transport fares, high entry fees for sacrificial animals, lack of facilities, and inflation.

Only one trader from Vehari has arrived with 29 bulls in the 20-acre market, while the number of buyers remains negligible.

The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) had conducted the auction for the first official sacrificial market near Bhatta Chowk, specifically for those planning to perform sacrifices on Eidul Azha.

However, as soon as the auction concluded, the contractor imposed hefty fees on the entry of sacrificial animals to double the original amount.

This means that traders selling goats, sheep, and other small animals will have to pay Rs2,000 per animal, while those selling bulls, buffaloes, and camels will be required to pay Rs3,000 per animal.

The sole trader who reached Bhatta Chowk Market from Vehari revealed that he had brought 29 bulls of different breeds. He had already paid Rs120,000 to a goods transport company for transporting the sacrificial animals from Vehari to Rawalpindi.

Additionally, he had paid Rs3,000 per bull for market entry, amounting to a total of Rs87,000 to the contractor.

Once inside the market, he had to rent awnings and other equipment for setting up animal shelters. He said he was responsible for arranging fodder for the sacrificial animals three times a day and had three employees to look after the animals.

Despite staying in Bhatta Chowk Mmarket for three days, no serious buyer had visited so far. Interested visitors would inquire about the prices but leave without making a purchase.

The trader lamented that he had not sold a single cattle yet, but had already incurred expenses totaling Rs300,000.

Market staff connected to the administration explained that the market has been divided into 18 different streets, taking into account the facilities for traders and buyers. Each street has a different route, and parking is not allowed within the market premises.

Adequate lighting and water facilities have been arranged around the market, with large generators installed for electricity supply.

They assured that they were making efforts to provide all possible amenities to traders and buyers coming from other cities.

Although the arrival of cattle in the market is still limited, they remain hopeful that more traders will join the Bhatta Chowk market with a larger number of animals starting from Friday.

Nonetheless, it is undeniable that the prices of sacrificial animals have skyrocketed due to the effects of inflation.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 9^th, 2023.