Prices of cattle have begun to register decrease after the arrival of more cows and goats from the Saraiki belt of the Punjab and Sindh.
Price of Kamori, one of the breeds of goats that sells more, has come down from an average Rs 8,000 to Rs 5,000 or lower. Similarly, Red Sindhi and Rajasthani cows have shed their prices by 30 percent to 40 percent. A good bargain should be around Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000.
Professional butchers are in short supply. They have increased their skinning charges from the last year's level of Rs 400 to Rs 500 for a goat and Rs 1800 to Rs 2,000 for a cow.
The charges in posh areas are even higher. Those who do this work seasonally would be available in abundance and on varying charges.
Main market for sacrificial animals is at Super Highway where separate enclosures for sheep, goat, cow, buffalo and camel have been made.
To meet the requirement of the sellers, who come from different villages, government has made adequate water and fodder supply and security arrangement. Temporary banking booths have also been provided for safe handling of money.
After about six hours a van shifts cash from the mandi to a branch in Karachi city. Arrangements of veterinary assistance are also available at the mandi.
Police and Rangers are posted to check incidence of crime. Unlike past practice the policemen are keeping themselves away from the livestock owners and no cases of extortion have been reported so far.
Reduced role of middlemen was seen on Friday and Saturday, as the sellers preferred to deal with buyers directly. The direct dealing between the sellers and the buyers has made settling of price quick and easy for both.
The prices are likely to go down further after the first day of Eid, as many sellers who have come from outside Karachi would like to return to their villages and towns after disposing off their stocks.
Though arthis (middlemen) provide them shelter, the cattlemen prefer to finish their business and go back home quickly.
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