Maharashtra Goseva Ayog modifies livestock market ban ahead of Eid, limits it to cattle market

Indian Express

2 days ago

The Maharashtra Goseva Ayog, which had earlier directed all Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) to suspend livestock markets from June 3 to 8 in view of Eid al-Adha, has now issued a revised directive. The new order limits the suspension to markets where cows, bullocks and bulls are sold.
The earlier circular, issued on May 27, had drawn sharp criticism from opposition MLAs and members of the Muslim community, who questioned the rationale behind halting the sale of all animals — including sheep and goats — a week before the festival. The issue was raised during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday to review preparedness for the upcoming Bakri Eid festival in the state.
The revised circular, dated June 3, states: 'In view of the upcoming Bakri Eid, you are requested to ensure that from 03.06.2025 to 08.06.2025, no markets for the sale of indigenous cattle (cows, bullocks and bulls) are held in any villages in your jurisdiction.'
The previous circular had mandated the closure of all livestock markets across the state. In contrast, the latest directive is specific to cattle markets, citing the need to prevent violations of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, which bans the slaughter of bovine animals (cow progeny) in the state.
The Indian Express had reported on June 1 that the May 27 circular instructed all APMCs to shut livestock markets during the week of Bakri Eid to prevent illegal slaughter. The circular had emphasised vigilance, referencing state laws prohibiting bovine slaughter.
The original order had sparked widespread backlash. 'The state needs to ensure that cow slaughter does not take place. But what is the intent behind shutting down the entire market,' asked Farooq Ahmad, state vice-president of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, who had led a protest in Nanded last week. 'If markets are not held, trade in animals such as goats, buffaloes and sheep will also stop. This will disrupt daily earnings for farmers, porters, brokers, drivers, the Qureshi-Khatik community and labourers.'
Maharashtra has 292 livestock markets, most of which are regulated by APMCs. These markets are crucial for farmers, especially at the onset of the monsoon. While cattle are the primary commodity, smaller animals like goats and sheep are also traded, with transactions increasing ahead of Eid al-Adha.