24 October,2011 06:40 AM IST | | Yacoob Mohammed
Around 2,000 farmers from across the state are camping in the city along with 60,000 Bannur goats, which can fetch them about Rs 15,000 each during Bakrid
Around 2,000 shepherds, hailing from different parts of the state, are camping in the city hoping to make a killing by selling off livestock at astronomical rates in the run-up to Bakrid, which is scheduled to be celebrated on November 6.
A goat fair in progress at Chamrajpet Maidan in the city yesterday
According to market experts, usually a Bannur goat fetches around Rs 3,000, but during Bakrid or Ramzan rates shoot upto to Rs 15,000.
Hoping to earn a huge profit that will help clear their debts, thousands of farmers, from as far as Mandya, have thronged the city.
These groups have set up makeshift camps where they will be staying for the next two weeks along with nearly 60,000 goats they have brought along.
"We hail from Malavahalli near Mandya and have been in this business for over 17 years. We rear goats solely for Bakrid as there is a huge demand for the Bannur goat during the festival. People don't mind shelling out a huge sum on this breed," said Syed Moula, a goat farmer.
Seconding expert's opinion Moula added that the amount earned during Bakrid or Ramzan helps clear their debts as a Bannur goat, usually fetches around Rs 2,500 around the year, but can be sold for Rs 15,000 during the last three days of Bakrid.
Many farmers, who are entirely dependent on the goat rearing business, visit the city only twice a year during the festival.
The Animal Husbandry department of the BBMP has instructed its officials to keep a close watch on slaughterhouses across the city.
With a steady increase in the number of diseases spreading through animals and birds, the BBMP has instructed farmers and civic body officials to clean the area after the goat fair is over and use the accumulated waste as manure.u00a0
"We noticed in areas such as Chamarajapet, RT Nagar, Palace Guttahalli and Shivajinagar, where goat fairs take place, a huge amount of waste is left behind.
So, we have instructed our officials to conduct daily checks in these areas and submit reports on cleanliness in those pockets.
BBMP would also conduct cleaning drives to ensure safety and good health of the people," said Parvez Ahmed Piran, Joint Director, Animal Husbandry Department, BBMP.
