Sallah: Improved security boosts ram business in Katsina

As Muslims the world over are about to celebrate Eid al-adha (Feast of the sacrifice), livestock markets in Katsina State have been flooded with rams of different sizes and breeds. A visit to Kafur, Malumfashi, Bakori, Sheme and Dandume livestock markets revealed that unlike in previous years, ram business started in earnest two weeks ago. […]

As Muslims the world over are about to celebrate Eid al-adha (Feast of the sacrifice), livestock markets in Katsina State have been flooded with rams of different sizes and breeds.
A visit to Kafur, Malumfashi, Bakori, Sheme and Dandume livestock markets revealed that unlike in previous years, ram business started in earnest two weeks ago. Some traders said the improved security situation in the North has tremendously improved the market supply of rams this year.
A ram dealer in Kafur market, Malam Yusha’u Isma’il, said in the past, activities in the market regarding sales of rams commence fully at least a week to Sallah celebration.
“Apparently, shortage of money in circulation and the dwindling economy, as well as the rainy season particularly in rural areas, may be part of the reasons herders flood markets with rams early. Unlike in the previous years, with N14,000 one can get a small ram for the sacrifice,” he said, adding that large sizes of rams in the market cost from N40,000 upwards as against previous years when only medium sizes sold for that price.
He further expressed optimism that as the Sallah celebration  draws closer, prices of rams will appreciate significantly concomitant to the high demand because many people prefer to buy their rams three and two days to Sallah or even on the Sallah day to avoid littering their compounds and the cost of feeding the animal for a long time before Sallah.
At the famous Sheme livestock market last Friday, both sellers and buyers of rams thronged the market, a situation that led to increase in the price of an average ram to about N25, 000 against the N18, 000 – N20, 000 in other markets.
Mallam Sama’ila Buhari Funtua (aka Mai rago) is a ram merchant who travels to Niger Republic to source Uda and other breeds.
He said the popularity of the Sheme livestock market and the improved security situation in the North has tremendously improved the market supply of rams this year.
“The latest improvement in the nation’s security, especially in the North as well as effort of the present administration in curtailing cattle and other livestock rustling has reduced tension and uncertainty among the merchants, making them to move easily to various markets here at home and abroad to source their rams.
Mal Sama’ila also commended Nigerien bureaux de change for their integrity and transparency, saying “no matter what, they will not cheat or swindle you.”
He identified poor exchange rate as the main problem affecting their business where one CFA equals to N380. Based on that, according to him, a ram of CFA20, 000 costs 38,000 in Nigerian Naira and with N3, 000 feeding and transport expenses, the ram will at best be sold at N44, 000 here in Nigeria.
Daily Trust observed that merchants from Kaduna, Abuja, Imo and Port Harcourt are taking advantage of the low prices of the animals to make huge profit in the various markets they are transporting them to.
Mr. Samson Ike, 45, said he has been into livestock business for about 20 years. Though an indigene of Abia State, he normally transports the animals to Port Harcourt, Anambra and sometimes Imo State at the eve of Sallah and Christmas celebrations every year.