Drought may raise cattle sale in Pushkar fair

AJMER: The sale of cattle in Pushkar fair is likely to rise 30% this year compared to the year, thanks to severe drought-like condition in the state. Prices may fall 8% compared to the corresponding period. The fair starts from October 25. Drought has forced farmers to sell cattle at lower price as they are unable to feed them due to scarcity of water and fodder.The worst-affected districts are Nagaur, Ajmer, Tonk, Pali and Jodhpur where rainfall was less than 45%.
"The price of fodder has touched Rs 400 per quintal in October. So it has become difficult to feed cattle," said Ratan Singh Gujjar, who runs a buttermilk shop in Ajmer. The situation is not good for milkmen. "Fodder price is likely to rise further. Therefore, there is no profit. It is better to sell cows than feed them," said Kuldeep Rawat of Badliya village.
There is an acute water crisis in Pisangan and Masuda block of Ajmer district. "A central team had estimated 100% drought in the district. In such a situation, it is difficult to get grass," agriculture officials said.
Animal husbandry department expects cattle sale to rise at the fair. "For the past three years, sales volume has gone down. However, it is likely to rise this year," said Tejaram Meghwal, deputy director, animal husbandry department. The department collects sales tax from farmers during the fair.
According to sources, in 2005, out of 23,513 animals at the fair, 9,853 were sold. In 2006, out of 23,852 animals, 7,473 were sold. In 2007, out of 19,681 animals, 8,589 were sold. Last year, out of 17,649 animals, only 7,556 were sold.
"If you look at the figures for the past two years, sales have gone down due to good rainfall. Farmers were not interested to sell cattle," said Himat Singh, a broker. Singh said during 2002 drought the sales touched a record of 13,000 animals.
"When we have no option to feed animals it is better to sell them," said Bhanwarlal, a dairy owner.
According to the animal husbandry department, the cows and buffaloes come from various parts of the state, while camels come from western Rajasthan and horses from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
"Farmers from Haryana and UP are interested selling their horses and purchase buffaloes and cows from Rajasthan. They sell one animal and purchase two to three," said a broker.
Experts expect sale of 15,000 cattle this year. The average price of a cow which was Rs 45,000 is likely to fetch only Rs 28,000-35,000.