Hyderabad: The latest diktat from the central government regarding sale of cattle stipulates that veterinarians must be present at markets where cattle are sold to ensure that sick and old cattle are not sold for slaughter. But when DC's reporter visited Kondamadugu market on Tuesday, there was no vet in sight.
The district collector of Yadadri, Anita Ramachandran told this newspaper that a vet must visit the market during market days, but due to the Grama Sabhas being organised in villages, vets were not available in the market.
“We have directed all veterinary doctors to attend Grama Sabhas to educate farmers on cattle care,” she said.
Uppalapally Samaiah, a farmer from Naginenipally village in Bommala Ramaram mandal, said that farmers know about the recent gazette notification issued by the central government on sale of animals at markets and said it will hit slaughter houses and beef exporters.
“When the government directed that cows must not be sold to slaughterers, we followed it. But the latest rules will create trouble for farmers as each head of cattle needs feed worth at least Rs 150 per day,” he said.
A Janaiah, a farmer from Medchal, said that the new rules would destroy traditional fairs like Sadar.
“The government says not to colour the animal during Sadar (bull festival), decorated ox during Sankranti," he said.
