Sacrificial animal prices rise sharply in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: Prices of sacrificial animals have climbed steeply in Peshawar and nearby livestock markets ahead of Eidul Azha, with buyers and traders saying the increase has put many animals beyond the reach of low- and middle-income households.

A market survey cited in the report showed that prices in both small and large, as well as temporary and permanent, livestock markets in the city are 20 to 25 per cent higher than last year. The increase has added to the financial strain on salaried and middle-class families seeking to perform the religious ritual.

Despite the higher prices, there is no reported shortage of animals. Cattle and goats are available in large numbers at major markets on Ring Road, Lala Kala, Palosi and Charsadda Road, along with other suburban sites. However, the usual Eid-related rush has not materialised, and traders are said to be waiting for customers throughout the day while many visitors only ask about prices before leaving without making a purchase.

Buyers expressed anger over the situation and said inflation had already made daily life difficult. They complained that current livestock rates no longer match their household budgets. Affected citizens described a sharp jump in prices for larger animals compared to last year. "Last year, a good calf or bull was available for Rs1.5 to 2 lakh. This time, traders are demanding Rs3 to 3.5 lakh," they said.

The same citizens added that it had become extremely difficult for middle-class families to purchase even one large animal or a good-quality goat.

Multani Raja draws crowds

Among the animals attracting attention in Peshawar’s cattle market is a large bull named Multani Raja, which was brought from Multan. The animal has become a major attraction for visitors because of its appearance, colour and size.

According to its owner, the bull weighs between 10 and 11 maunds, or around 400 to 440 kilograms. The asking price for the animal is Rs1.6 million. The bull has drawn large numbers of onlookers, with people lining up to see it.

Traders cite border closure and rising costs

Traders from Peshawar as well as sellers from Punjab linked the rise in prices mainly to the prolonged closure of the Pak-Afghan border, which they said has stopped the supply of lower-priced animals from Afghanistan.

They said demand for goats and sheep in Peshawar traditionally remains strong, but they are now having to bring animals from distant markets in Punjab, where rates are higher than last year. Traders also pointed to transport expenses, market charges and the daily cost of fodder and upkeep for large animals as factors behind the increase.

According to the traders, daily feeding and maintenance costs for large animals have risen to as much as Rs3,000 because of inflation. "If we don't sell at these rates, we will incur heavy losses," they added.

The combination of higher procurement and maintenance costs, along with subdued buying activity, has left many traders waiting for sales while buyers continue to struggle with prices in the run-up to Eidul Azha.