Srinagar, Jun 10: Come Eid-ul-Adha, sacrificial animals from different states have started arriving in Kashmir.
Mehraj Ud Din, general secretary of Mutton Dealers Association Kashmir, said, “This year, we have ordered a variety of high-quality breeds from outside the state. These include Rajasthani, Marwadi, Kaju Walla, and Jasalmeeri among others.”
He said that on average, 50 to 60 trucks loaded with sheep are arriving in the valley daily. The supply from outside the state remains strong and will continue up to two days before Eid.
Regarding market conditions, Mehraj said there is a discrepancy between supply and sales. “Sales is not to our expectations. Consumption figures will only be known after Eid,” he said.
As the festival approaches, both mutton dealers and consumers are closely observing market trends, anticipating a potential rise in demand days before Eid.
Last week, Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri convened a meeting to review arrangements. He directed the concerned officer to ensure the availability of sacrificial animals, particularly sheep at all the 104 sale spots established by the Sheep Husbandry Department.
He stressed on determination and fixation of reasonable rates for sacrificial animals and enforcement of the same to curb exorbitant prices.
Div Com also asked Animal Husbandry Department officers to ensure the availability of poultry birds in abundance in the market.
To curb the malpractice of overcharging by traders and shopkeepers, Div Com directed all Deputy Commissioners to constitute joint market checking teams to enforce reasonable prices of essentials and other commodities.
Last year, sheep from Turkey were specially imported for sacrifice in Kashmir this Eid-ul-Adha. Though the animal is costlier than its Indian cousins, people try to make the Eid memorable by buying Turkish sheep for Sunaat-e-Ibrahim.
The sheep normally weigh 45 kilos. Since it grows quickly, it can weigh up to 100 to 120 kilograms. Normal 40-kilo sheep sell at Rs 17000 to Rs 18000. The 45-kilo Turkish sheep costs Rs 45,000. Turkish sheep were stealing the show as people from different places thronged the market to have a glimpse of the animal. Particularly children love to play with animals.
