South Punjab enjoys cattle market boom

Thousands invest months of labour into rearing animals for Eid

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MULTAN:

For many, Eidul Azha is not just a religious occasion but a season of long-awaited income.

Muhammad Hussain, a small farmer from Pipli Adda in Vehari, raises cattle all year round with devotion. "This is our crop," he says, gently brushing his prized bull. "I don't grow wheat only but I grow bulls also. Eid is our harvest season."

He feeds the cattle hand-cut grass, sings to them and decorates them in anticipation of buyers who arrive from cities, seeking healthy, attractive animals for sacrifice.

Hussain is not alone. Thousands like him across South Punjab invest months of labour, love and money into rearing animals, hoping for good returns on the Eid.

The region known for its agricultural lifestyle transforms into a thriving economic market fueled by livestock trade during the season.

Connecting the dots are people like Malik Nadeem, a middleman in Chak 34/WB who facilitates deals between farmers and urban customers.

"I bring animals from remote villages to markets in Multan, Vehari and Lahore. It's not easy, but this is our season to earn after a year of struggle," he shares while supervising the loading of cattle onto rickshaws and mini-trucks under the summer sun.

The economic activities do not stop with the sale of animals. A network of support emerges.

Allah Dittah, a young grass seller from Chah Darkhanwala, says he sells bundles of fodder at twice the usual rate before the Eid. "People buy the best for their animals in these days." His stall outside the local market never shuts during the Eid week.

Then there is Sufi Nazeer, who sells ornamental accessories for animals, including necklaces, bells, colourful ropes and embroidered sheets. "When a child loves his bull, he decorates it like a bride," he stated. His Eid sales sustain his family for months. The story continues even after the sacrifice. Allah Rakha collects animal hides door to door.