Centre’s ban on cattle sale deals a blow to beef sellers

The two slaughter houses in Kothagudem, whose turnover stands at `5 crore per annum, are badly hit

Kothagudem: All the doors seem to have closed for the sale of cattle in the market and moving them to slaughter houses. Recently, the Environment Ministry has banned the sale of cattle for the purpose of culling.

As the Gazette notification by the Ministry puts restrictions on bringing cattle to animal market, unless they furnish a written declaration that they would not be sold for the purpose of slaughter, people in beef business are annoyed and are protesting against these curbs. This move has dealt a blow to the thousands of people involved in the beef business.

There are two slaughter houses in Kothagudem that export beef to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The turnover of these slaughter houses stands at Rs 5 crore per annum. Most of the cattle in the district and neighbouring districts are sold at the weekly fairs at major panchayats in Rudrapur, Burgampahad, Manuguru and Kothagudem in the district. Around 500 cattle are sold every week.

The new rule, which has been disliked by cattle rearers and sellers, says that the farmers need the permission of local panchayats to sell their cattle. As a result, the farmers in the agency area are finding tough to sell their stock.

The buyers, too, who are against this ban, opine that they would face losses due to this. While some are welcoming the decision, some are against it.

Speaking to The Hans India, BJP leader Behara Raju said the decision taken by the Central government was a welcome step as it protects the animals. “It is important to protect animals and obey the laws,” he said.

However, K Koteswara Rao, a farmer, felt that tenant farmers would face a lot of problems, as the law demands documents stating that they are purchasing cattle for agricultural purpose.

Animal lover B Satish, welcoming the decision of the Central government, said that the ban would protect the animals.