Ram sellers in Kano livestock markets have expressed concern over low patronage in spite of high supply, with less than a week to Eid-el-Kabir.
Eid-el-Kabir, otherwise known as Eid-al-Adha, which originated from Prophet Ibrahim (Alaihis Salam), is a period when Muslims slaughter sacrificial animals.
The ritual is an act of worship performed by Muslim faithful on the 10th of Zul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, by those not performing Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
It involves slaughtering a ram, the preferred choice, or a sheep, he-goat, goat, cow, or camel that is healthy, free from defects, and has reached the required age.
A survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Goron Dutse and Kofar Nai’sa livestock markets in Kano metropolis reveals that traders have stocked enough animals in anticipation of high patronage.
Besides rams, other livestock in stock included sheep, goats, cows, and camels of various sizes and prices, depending on the customer’s choice and budget.
The survey further shows that prices of the animals have risen significantly compared to last year, forcing many prospective buyers to either postpone purchases or opt for smaller animals based on their purchasing power.
At Goron Dutse, Alhaji Bashir Sule-Dantsoho, Chairman of the Animal Dealers Association in Kano State, said that in spite of large quantities of animals available, patronage had remained relatively low due to the current economic situation.
He said small rams now sell for between N150,000 and N200,000 and medium-sized rams for N350,000 to N500,000, while large rams cost N700,000 and above.
According to him, camel prices currently range from N500,000 to N3 million, while bulls and cows sell for between N600,000 and N3 million, depending on size, weight, and quality.
Sule-Dantsoho explained that the increase in livestock prices was largely driven by the high cost of animal feed and transportation from herders within and outside the state.
“Last year, a bag of animal feed sold for between N10,000 and N13,000; this year, the same product now costs about N25,000 per bag.
“Transportation fares have also increased considerably, and all these expenses ultimately affect the final selling price,” he said.
Similarly, at Kofar Nai’sa, another livestock dealer, Kabiru Mustapha, attributed the poor patronage to the current economic hardship facing many Nigerians.
Mustapha said traders sometimes spend several days without recording meaningful sales, as many residents struggle to afford basic food.
He said camel prices at the market range from N500,000 to N2.5 million, while cows sell for between N400,000 and N3 million, depending on size and condition.
According to him, rams in that market currently range from N150,000 for small sizes, while medium and large ones cost up to N550,000 and above, respectively.
The dealer explained that many buyers now prefer to delay purchases until a few days or even a day before Eid-el-Kabir, hoping prices might drop.
This, he said, had contributed to the slow pace of business in the markets.
Some prospective buyers who spoke with NAN expressed concern over the persistent rise in livestock prices.
They said the development might affect their ability to fulfil the religious rite during Eid-el-Kabir.
However, they expressed optimism that prices could drop slightly as the festive period draws nearer and competition among traders intensifies. (NAN)
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