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Belagavi meat traders face supply issues after floods

Belagavi: Belagavi is one of most affected districts by the recent floods and heavy rains. This natural calamity has drastically affected the rearing of sheep and goats .

Transportation of sheep and goats has now become a herculean task as roads and bridges have been heavily damaged, Most of them are either not in a motorable state or entirely blocked.

Hence vehicles are taking longer routes to reach the city.

The supply of meat has reduced drastically in Belagavi. Ironically, buyers from Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Chennai are flocking the district to grab whatever available stock as the price of mutton has increased to Rs 700 per kg there. Mutton is currently being sold at Rs540 per kg in the local markets.

Due to these circumstances, supply of meat has reduced in the market. Despite this, meat traders say they have not jacked up prices in the interest of consumers.

Belgaum Mutton Shops Welfare Association president Uday Ghodke told STOI that buyers from Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Udupi and Chennai were rushing to small towns like Raibag, Gokak, Yargatti, Kittur in Belagavi district and Mudhol, Amingad and Lokapur of Vijayapura district. “Actually these places are catering to the needs of Belagavi for decades. Now animals are being diverted to major cities and we are facing a shortage,” he added.

Association vice president Khaza Dargawale said that transport charges have increased drastically after the heavy rains and floods. “As bridges are often being submerged in water and condition of roads is so bad, vehicles are taking long routes to reach the city. Due to this, expenses of vehicles and labourers have increased by two-three times,” he said.

Both said the number of sheep and goats in the region itself has come down as many were killed in the floods. “Scared by the heavy rains and floods, shepherds have migrated to Ballari, Koppal and Chitradurga districts looking for safer places for animals. They won’t return till the rainfall reduces,” they added.

Association member Rakesh Palange said, “Despite adversities, Belagavi traders are committed to provide high quality meat. The price of a goat which was around Rs 5,000 two months ago has increased to Rs 7,000. Buyers from Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu are buying goat at a higher price to meet the demand of their consumers.”

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