Farmers in fix over cow slaughter ban bill

DHNS

Bangarpet, 20 July 2010: The passage of cow slaughter ban bill by the Assembly has put the farmers of the taluk in a fix. They are now saddled with the burden of maintaining unyielding and aged cattle. Hitherto, farmers sold bulls and infirm cows to abattoirs. They would be forbidden from doing so if the proposed Bill secures Governor’s assent.  According to the cattle census 2007, the taluk has a total of 25,565 native cows, 24,204 mixed breed, 5,896 buffaloes and 24,204 oxen used for farm activities.

Twenty per cent of the cattle become aged every year. Unyielding and infirm cattle become a burden to farmers. In addition, of the 22,000 artificial inseminations done in the taluk during the year 2009-10, majority have led to birth of a male progeny. Thus, the Bill, if becomes an Act, may be detrimental to farmers’ welfare, apprehended Ramachandra, a farmer of Jyhotenahalli in the taluk.