Buying frenzy hits fever pitch

On the eve of Eidul Azha cattle markets became abuzz with activity as people rushed for last-minute purchase of sacrificial animals believing that traders might have brought down prices to dispose of their stocks instead of incurring cost of transporting them back to rural Sindh and Punjab.

Though both buyers and traders are expressing deep concern over the alarming impact of back-breaking inflation, as cattle prices have soared to unprecedented heights, they find middle ground and the rope is handed over to the new owner.

Various small and large markets across Karachi are witnessing a flurry of activity as customers are seen bargaining with traders for the animals, including camels, goats, and bulls, of their choice. Like in the past, hundreds of thousands of animals have been transported from all corners of the country to Karachi.

Unfortunately, the steep rise in cattle prices is casting a shadow of worry among buyers, who find themselves grappling with the constraints of limited budgets. Traders, too, are voicing their grievances, citing the mounting expenses and exorbitant costs of animal fodder. Everyone acknowledges that the prices this year have significantly escalated compared to the previous year.

Despite all odds sales soared to new highs. According to sellers, last year’s floods in Sindh created significant hardships for both animal breeders and traders. Many were compelled to sell their animals immediately, often without making any profit, or were left with sick animals.

This year, however, the number of cattle being sold has substantially increased. One seller revealed that the prices of his goats range between Rs40,000 and Rs120,000, with a recent sale of a pair of goats fetching a staggering Rs250,000.

Leaner goats were available for as low as Rs18,000 to Rs25,000. “The animal is fit, thin and skinny but otherwise it is all okay for the sacrifice,” said a man loading an active young goat that he had bought for Rs26,000.

Bulls in the market are priced anywhere between Rs100,000 and Rs2,000,000. Although some buyers voice their grievances regarding the inflationary trend, it seems there is little recourse available. The sellers maintain that the prices are justified, considering the expenses incurred in the grooming and rearing of the animals.

Buyers who traditionally sacrifice a bull each year are now facing unprecedented challenges, particularly those from the middle class. As a result, many have reluctantly decided to opt for sacrificing a goat instead. However, their hopes are dashed when they discover that even the most affordable goats carry a hefty price tag of Rs40,000. Inflation has cast its gloom across the entire nation. Despite making daily visits to the market for several days, they find themselves unable to strike a deal.

The goats that were sold for Rs40,000 last year now demand a staggering Rs80,000. In the past, traders would offer discounts during negotiations, anticipating the need to sell their cattle before changing weather conditions affected their sales. However, even the forecast of rain has failed to dampen the curtail prices. Frustration grows as some buyers fear they may return home empty-handed, unable to afford the animals they had hoped for.

Parents and breadwinners are finding it increasingly difficult to fulfill their families’ desires for sacrificial animals. They lament that their children remain oblivious to the challenges posed by inflation and its repercussions.

Despite the difficulties, the children’s spirits remain high this Eid, as they focus solely on their passion and spend time delighting in the festive atmosphere. They aspire to fulfill the sacred duty of sacrifice, drawing inspiration from the example of Prophet Ibrahim.

However, the sky-high cattle prices and the prevailing inflation have made it exceedingly challenging for them to purchase animals this year.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 29^th, 2023.