Anti-cow slaughter Bill: Cattle fairs in Mysuru region loses sheen

With the government's Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill 2020, coming into effect from January 18, 2021, the cattle fairs that are quite popular in Mysuru region are losing its attraction.

Cattle fairs attract a large number of people, with its display of rare varieties of cattle, and an opportunity to the farmers to sell and buy cattle, as per their demand.

The fairs are held regularly in the rural pockets once in a week, and at some places organised once in three months and even annual fairs are organised in a grand manner.

Besides, the farmers, who were not able to take care of their unproductive and weak ailing cattle used to sell them at these fairs to traders from other states for a decent money. But not anymore. The violation of the anti-cow slaughter bill tends to attract a penalty of Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh and even three to seven years of imprisonment.

The cattle has failed to draw buyers from the neighbouring states with high meat consumption at the weekly-fair held at Terakanambi in Gundlupet taluk, Chamarajanagar district, on Thursdays. Most of the buyers are from the neighbouring state Kerala, where the beef consumption is high. But, the new bill has stopped them from doing business here, fearing violation. Only a handful of people were interested in the cattle, that were on display.

The cattle fair at Hemagiri in K R Pet taluk, Mandya district, is being held from February 11 to 19, as part of Kalyana Venkataramanaswamy Brahmotsava on February 19, the Rathasapthami day. The farmers from various parts of the state, with a lot of hope have brought cattle to the fair hoping for a good business. The cattle are available from Rs 50,000 to Rs 10 lakh at the fair. However, cattle for meat will not be available.

There were no takers for the cattle at the weekly fair at Channarayapatna in Hassan district, after the bill was implemented on January 18. It is said that a few disappointed farmers had abandoned the cattle. However, the authorities shifted them to the Pinjrapole in Mysuru, according to sources.

Besides, cattle fairs are also held at Chunchanakatte and Bannur in Mysuru district. The annual cattle fair in Suttur Jatra Mahotsava draws a great attention every year. The weekly fair in KRS in Srirangapatna taluk is also quite popular.