Goat, sheep prices soar by up to 75% as cattle supply dries up ahead of Eid

Kolkata: Goat prices in Kolkata have surged sharply ahead of Eid-uz-Zuha on May 28 as increased demand and limited supply have reshaped livestock markets across the city following renewed enforcement of cattle slaughter regulations in the state. Traders at major goat markets said prices have risen by nearly 70% to 75% this year as many buyers who would traditionally opt for cattle are now turning to goats for sacrifice during the festival.Two weeks ago, the state govt issued a public notice reiterating provisions under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, and a 2018 Calcutta High Court order concerning cattle slaughter. The notice stated that cattle, including cows, bulls, bullocks, calves and buffaloes, cannot be slaughtered without official certification under specified conditions related to age, injury or incurable disease. The notification also reiterated that slaughter in open public places is prohibited.Traders said the renewed enforcement of the rules has significantly altered buying patterns ahead of Eid-uz-Zuha. "This only leaves goats and sheep for sacrifice on Eid uz Zuha. Sheep is not preferred much in Kolkata, as a result of which the supply is negligible. But goat prices have soared because people who would sacrifice cattle are also now buying goats," said Iqbal Ahmed, a goat wholesaler in Narkeldanga.The city's two largest goat markets at Narkeldanga and Watgunge have been witnessing heavy crowds over the past week. Smaller markets have also come up in Zakaria Street, Bright Street, Garden Reach and Topsia ahead of the festival. Traders said goat sales dropped considerably over the past few years as many families shifted to cattle sacrifice, which allows up to seven people to jointly participate in a single cattle head. In contrast, a goat can only be sacrificed individually, making cattle a more affordable option for many households."The prices of goats have never been so high during the festival. What would cost around Rs 40,000 till last year is now selling for Rs 65,000 to Rs 70,000 and weighs around 20 to 25 kg," said Imtiaz Alam, a wholesaler at the Watgunge market. The sudden rise in demand has forced traders to source animals from states such as Rajasthan and Haryana. However, sellers said supply is still failing to keep pace with the rush of buyers arriving at the markets daily."The stock is selling out as soon as it arrives. The crisis is pushing up the price further," said Haji Noor Alam, a seller at Zakaria Street. "Every year we would plan for at least four sacrifices within the family, but this time the prices are too high. I have still not been able to buy a goat and may have to reduce the number this year," said Mohammed Arman, a resident of Park Circus.