Mumbai: Heavy rain gets their goat, traders forced to reduce prices

Shahnawaz Thanawala’s goats kept at a mandi in Uttan

The heavy rain in Mumbai and adjoining areas has affected the prices of goats meant for Bakra Eid. Due to the closure of the Deonar abattoir, the government has allowed small mandis across Mumbai and Maharashtra. Most of the small mandis are on open ground in makeshift plastic-covered stalls. A majority of the goats are brought from Rajasthan and they don't survive in such rain. The goat traders have reduced the prices fearing this.

"We have been suffering a lot for almost two years due to the pandemic. Now the heavy rain has added to our problems. If we don't sell all our goats as early as possible, they will die, as apart from our plastic-covered shelters we don't have any other place to keep them," said Mohammed Rasheed, a goat seller from Kalamboli.

Due to the pandemic, the government shut down the Deonar abbattoir. "I have written to the government to make some arrangements. I also visited some small goat mandis where the traders have no options for shelter and fearing deaths of their goats, have been selling them at half the price," said Intekhab Farooqui from the Shiv Sena.

"When the Deonar mandi was open, at least we had proper shelter for our goats. Now in some places I heard the plastic covers were blown away by heavy winds," said Mohammed Shareef, a goat seller from Panvel.

Muslim community leaders and politicians have met government officials and ministers concerned to allow the sacrifice of animals during Bakra Eid with guidelines, but no decision has been taken. "Last year the government allowed slaughter at Deonar at the last minute and we hope they will take a decision this time, too. The sacrifice on Eid Ul Adha has sentimental value," said Amin Patel, Congress MLA, Mumbadevi Constituency.

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"The government takes a decision at the last moment and nobody knows when. We don't have options so I will not sacrifice this year," said Farooq Sheikh, a resident of Jogeshwari. Shahnawaz Thanawala, vice-president, Bombay Mutton Dealers' Association, said, "I started selling goats for Rs 550 per kg, now I sell for just Rs 400 per kg. Most goats come from Rajasthan and don't survive for long in rain here.

Goats from Uttar Pradesh survive. Every year about six lakh goats were brought from other states, this year only about 1.25 lakh arrived." There are 200 mandis in Mumbai he said, each has about 150 goats.

Minister speak

"During the restrictions there was no ban on transportation, slaughter of permitted animals at Deonar abbatoir. There is no question of a ban during Bakra Eid. We should stop creating misconceptions among people," said Nawab Malik, state minority development minister.