Pakistan's importers are trying hard to expedite the import process and are optimistic that their efforts would not be futile. However, they are facing some hurdles which they believe would gradually be removed soon.
The price of each goat is estimated at Rs 2,400 and the average weight per goat/sheep is 14kg. The consignment is checked by the quarantine department in New Delhi and Pakistan, clinically and physically.
Sources said that the importers are confident that if the consignments of Indian animals come on weekly basis rather than on monthly basis and the number of animals is increased in each consignment, then local prices of goat would not only decline but masses would also get meat at almost Rs 50 less than the current prices.
"We are optimistic that the Indian exporters could cut the prices further but for this we have to place big orders," said Jahangir Qureshi, an importer, while talking to Business Recorder' on Thursday.
He said that a goat or sheep could have 12 microscopic and 22 clinical diseases which are checked by the quarantine department of both countries. However, in a meeting with Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Salman Shah, the importers argued over the "unnecessary" tests of the animals, and requested the government to only conduct those tests which could be hazardous for human beings. "Dr Shah then endorsed our plea and the meeting decided that Pakistan's quarantine department would not conduct 'unnecessary' tests," Jahangir said.
"When we started importing animals, our quarantine department used to charge Rs 100 per animals, which was withdrawn later," said another importer, adding that Indian quarantine department used to charge Rs 300 for medical treatment of the animals.
Importers are of the view that local prices of goat meat could be easily slashed. However, for this the government would have to think seriously about a goat farming project and special initiatives in this regard need to be taken on priority basis, they said.