A recent wet spell and forecast of more rains have rendered dual benefit to the citizen of provincial metropolis - respite from the hot and humid weather and decrease in rates of sacrificial animals. As Eid-ul-Azha is approaching fast, the rush of potential buyers to seven cattle markets set up by the local government in collaboration with the livestock and dairy development department had increased manifold in the past few days.

The local government has designated seven areas for temporary cattle markets including Shahpur Kanjran, Lakhodar Sabzi Mandi, Government Employees Corporative Housing Society, Overseas Pakistanis Foundation Housing Society Phase-2, DHA Phase 9, Prism Opposite Nishat Mills and Main Saggian Road in Ravi Town. Traders from Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Okara and many other parts of the city had brought their animals to Lahore's cattle markets.

However, illegal trading outside these markets was also observed at different parts of the city. On the road sides, a good number of cattle sellers with a few animals were seen negotiating with the buyers.

Overall, prior to the rainy days, hefty prices of sacrificial animals kept buying and selling low. However, the rain on Tuesday and Wednesday gave some people hope to buy animals and perform their religious obligations.

Prior to rains, an average goat was available at around Rs 40,000 and a good size goat was being offered from Rs 60,000 to Rs 80,000. Similar was the case with cows and bulls which were being pitched from Rs 80,000 to hefty amounts in five figures as per their size and look. Nevertheless, the rain brought the prices down with an average goat available at around Rs 20,000 to 25,000. Talking to this scribe, a trader said they had to lower animals' prices as the buyers were returning without buying due to high prices. More rain may cause illness to their animals, he apprehended.

A buyer, Usman, has been visiting various cattle markets for the past few days, but he could not buy an animal due to high prices. He said with his limited budget he could not afford even an average animal. "The sellers were asking inflated rates. I have seen many people leaving the markets with disappointment reflecting on their faces," he added.

However, the recent rains gave him a hope of fulfilling his religious obligation. "The rain has proven to be a blessing for people like me. The prices of animals have fallen sharply and I do feel that a price of a reasonable animal is now within my budget," he added.

Meanwhile, butchers have also sharpened their knives. According to a survey, professional butchers are charging Rs 3,500 to Rs 5,000 to slaughter a goat and Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 to slaughter a cow. Inexperienced butchers have also thronged the city to fleece the faithful.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017